GalleyMatch book clubs receive advance reading copies provided by publishers. Below are titles that clubs have recently enjoyed reading and discussing, along with highlights from their conversations and book-inspired menus.
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Readers By The Water, Natchitoches. Louisiana; Read Spin Repeat, Wrentham, Massachusetts; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Virtual Insanity Book Club of Atlanta, Georgia, and Chicago, Illinois,
CRASH INTO ME by Robinne Lee ( St. Martin's Press, 7/26)
A novel about a chance meeting that upends a woman's life, forcing her to reconsider her marriage, a past love, and where she belongs, with advance copies from
Readers By The Water: “Crash Into Me sparked a lively and wide-ranging discussion for our book club, with members sharing strong reactions to the characters, relationships, and emotional dynamics. Our club had a wide range of responses to the novel, which made for an especially engaging discussion. Everyone agreed it was an outstanding book club pick because it inspired thoughtful conversation and differing perspectives. Our discussion explored themes of identity, ambition, marriage, attraction, privilege, reinvention, and emotional fulfillment. We debated whether the characters were searching for authenticity, escaping dissatisfaction, or trying to reinvent themselves later in life. Another lively topic was whether unlikeable or morally complex characters can still make for compelling fiction—and the consensus was that they certainly make for memorable book club conversations. Thanks for another thought-provoking title that brought our club together for a memorable discussion!"
Menu: “Shrimp fried rice, egg rolls, potstickers, seaweed salad, crab rangoon, homemade cookies, wine, and champagne, making it a festive and delicious night.“
Read Spin Repeat “We had so much to discuss with this book! We were surprised by the story, and it gave us plenty of themes to unpack. The complex characters sparked spirited conversations about challenging topics, including race, marriage, trauma, the differences between life in Europe and the U.S., friendship, and forgiveness. It was the kind of book that kept the discussion going long after we'd finished the final page. Thanks for having us!”
Menu: "Elderflower Rose Spritzes, French vanilla cupcakes and meringues."
Page Ladies: “A perfect match that sparked one of our deepest and loudest discussions yet, especially around second chances and whether following your heart is always the right thing to do. We took a deep dive into Cecilia’s struggle with identity, motherhood, and the choices that shaped her life, while debating whether the emotional damage in the story was inevitable or avoidable. While our Romantic was hooked on the chemistry, our Skeptic was screaming at the characters' choices. From the suffocating LA glamour to the raw exploration of motherhood, it was a hit. We agreed: this isn’t a light romance; it's a raw, emotional exploration of love, identity, and the choices that shape us. Recommended to book clubs that enjoy deep and loud discussions about complex characters, atmospheric, toxic playgrounds, complicated second chances, character-driven stories, and books that make you feel everything."
Menu: “The Gala Ahi Tuna Tartare, served on chilled cucumber rounds to represent the cool exterior of Cecilia's social life.Fuego Spicy Shrimp Tacos, featuring chipotle-seasoned shrimp and messy crema to reflect the complexity of the leads' affair.Bitter Dark Chocolate Mousse with Sea Salt, topped with edible gold leaf to mimic LA luxury and the bittersweet nature of the ending."
Virtual Insanity: "Our group was hooked from the very beginning, and was on the edge of our seats the entire book!" The twists and turns in the protagonist’s life were interesting and unexpected, and we appreciated the complex layers of race, culture, and art throughout the story. The flashbacks kept us intrigued and eager to learn the full details of what occurred on that devastating night years ago. Anouk's boldness led our discussion. What a character! ''Diabolical and unapologetic' was how we described her. She was such a fun character to read in a 'we loved hating her' kind of way. The rich complexity of race and culture was woven throughout the book in such interesting ways. From the police stop to the wealthy California lifestyle enjoyed by white women in a fundamentally different way than by the African-American protagonist, to the intracultural dynamics of a Jamaican-American family, the book gave us much to reflect on and discuss from different angles. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy complex characters, unexpected twists, and thought-provoking discussions about race, culture, family, and art."
Black and Booksmart, Chicago, Illinois; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri; Book Bandits, White River Junction, Vermont
DOUGLASS' WOMEN by Jewell Parker Rhodes
(S &.S, 2026 reissue)
A historical novel that brings to life the voices of the women connected to Frederick Douglass, exploring love, ambition, race, and identity.
Black and Booksmart: "We love historical fiction, and this story generated an incredible discussion. We had strong feelings about the way Frederick Douglass treated both his wife, Anna, and his mistress, Ottilie. We couldn't believe that a national hero who did so much for enslaved people would treat the women in his life this way. The book sparked thoughtful conversations about marriage, loyalty, gender roles, and how societal expectations often allowed such behavior to continue. We admired Anna's sacrifices for her children and were frustrated by how she was made to feel inferior because of her lack of education, despite being free and remarkably capable. We were equally fascinated and perplexed by Ottilie's choices and the cost of her relationship with Frederick. Historical fiction, relationship drama, strained family dynamics, and moral complexity made for a lively discussion that stayed with us long after we finished reading.”
Menu: Black Rice (representing the women he chose), Crunch Cake (because some of his actions were a little off), Jerk Chicken in the end, he was a jerk), Chicken (he should have been more forward with his wife), Mixed Vegetables (he tried to mix everything up one time, at the house), Lemon Cake (I was tart on him in the end)
Happy Bookers: “We were fascinated by the unknown contributions of Anna Murray Douglass. None of us were aware of all she did behind the scenes to support Frederick Douglass and his work. We were in awe of her strength, ingenuity, and resilience through every phase of adversity. Our discussion centered on the remarkable sacrifices Anna made while Frederick was often away for long periods, leaving her to give birth and raise their children. We were also stunned by the audacity of Frederick bringing his mistress into their home. Through it all, Anna's domestic skills, determination, and unwavering commitment fortified her family during extraordinarily difficult times. This book sparked great surprise and admiration for the vital role women played in history—and left us convinced that Anna Murray Douglass deserves far more recognition and respect".
Menu: "Anna's culinary skills provided great sustenance for her family, and her cooking abilities were marveled at as we enjoyed our lunch, followed by a warm apple pie later awaited as dessert in Anna's honor.”
Book Bandits: This emotional read had us taking a closer look at Frederick Douglass—and questioning whether it should change how we view Frederick Douglass. Our discussion explored how an in-depth look at a person’s life can shift your perspective. We talked about the two relationships and how differently they unfolded, and why Anna never felt the need to learn to read, whether she was too busy earning money and raising her family. We all loved Anna and were rooting for her, while Ottilie’s intense spirit definitely made us see red. We also dug into the reasons behind Douglas's invitation to Ottilie to stay at his family home, and what that revealed about each of them."
MSK Crew, Cary, North Carolina; The Book Clurb,Las Vegas, Nevada; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Off The Shelf Book Club.Greensboro, North Carolina
TATTERED TIDES by Sarah A. Bailey (Page & Vine, 6/26)
Set in the sun-soaked world of California surf culture, Tattered Tides is an emotional, slow-burn romance about second chances, self-forgiveness, and the healing power of love.
MSK Crew: "A hit with our book club! It was nice to read a book we might not have picked up on our own—and then discover we all really enjoyed it. We loved the pacing, engaging plot, multidimensional characters, and surprising emotional depth. Our discussion focused on the emotional journeys of Willow and Weston, exploring how past trauma shapes us and how the right person can help us feel safe enough to share our whole selves. The book sparked thoughtful conversations about healing, trust, and vulnerability. Every member said they'll be continuing the series as new books are published! "Perfect for readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers romance, coach's daughter tropes, and emotionally rich stories."
The Book Clurb: "A great match and the perfect book to kick off the summer! We enjoyed it so much that we selected one of Sarah Bailey's earlier books for our next read! We loved how the author handled the characters' trauma with care and respect, and watching them grow throughout the story was one of our favorite aspects of the book. The character development sparked a thoughtful discussion and kept us invested from beginning to end. We also enjoyed meeting Sarah Bailey virtually. Her passion for her work shines through, and it was fascinating to hear more about her writing process and the story behind the book. Getting to know the characters through Sarah's eyes made the experience even more meaningful. Recommended for readers who enjoy bad-boy/good-girl romance, emotional character growth, and stories that stay with you long after the final page."
Menu: "Food mentioned in the book: lasagna, Caesar salad, tomato soup, grilled cheese, Italian grinders with dill pickle spears, In-N-Out-style sliders, cucumber watermelon salad, and roasted sweet potatoes. Drinks: cold brew with vanilla cream and honey—a 'honeysuckle latte'—and milkshakes. Dessert: lemon bars, chocolate raspberry mousse cake, plums."
The Page Ladies: "TATTERED TIDES was a great fit for us! Members loved the emotional depth, atmospheric writing, and character relationships. The story sparked discussions about loyalty, survival, healing, and trust, and many readers became very invested in the characters. We discussed character growth, redemption, trauma, and the emotional impact of certain relationships and choices. The setting and atmosphere were also big conversation points, along with the romantic dynamics and twists throughout the story. Even members outside the genre found themselves pulled into the story and eager to discuss it. We recommend TATTERED TIDES to book clubs that enjoy atmospheric fantasy romance, emotional character journeys, and morally complex relationships."
Off The Shelf: "Our book club absolutely fell in love with Most of us gave it 
, and it's hands down our favorite GalleyMatch selection to date. As the first book in a series, we all agreed we'll be continuing—and several members have already added Bailey's backlist to their must-read lists.
Bailey's poetic, lyrical writing completely captivated us. This honest, heartfelt story of young love, resilience, and healing follows two emotionally scarred characters whose vulnerability, patience, and undeniable chemistry had us hooked from the very first page. Equal parts swoon-worthy and heartbreaking, the novel broke our hearts—and slowly put them back together again.
Our discussion focused on the book's emotional depth, including trauma, family support, healing, and one particularly thoughtful conversation about the portrayal of sexual assault and how trauma can affect someone's perception of events. We also loved the memorable bookstore scene and talking about Willow's favorite bookIf you love angsty young love, friends-to-lovers, small-town romance, a coach's daughter, a troubled surfer hero, and an emotionally vulnerable heroine, don't miss this one. It delivered just the right blend of romance, tension, hope, and healing—and our club couldn't stop talking about it.
Menu: To match the beach-town setting, we served a taco bar for lunch and lemon bars for dessert—a nod to one of the book's sweetest early moments.
MSK Crew, Cary, North Carolina; The Book Clurb,Las Vegas, Nevada; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Off The Shelf Book Club.Greensboro, North Carolina
TATTERED TIDES by Sarah A. Bailey (Page & Vine, 6/26)
Set in the sun-soaked world of California surf culture, Tattered Tides is an emotional, slow-burn romance about second chances, self-forgiveness, and the healing power of love.
MSK Crew: "A hit with our book club! It was nice to read a book we might not have picked up on our own—and then discover we all really enjoyed it. We loved the pacing, engaging plot, multidimensional characters, and surprising emotional depth. Our discussion focused on the emotional journeys of Willow and Weston, exploring how past trauma shapes us and how the right person can help us feel safe enough to share our whole selves. The book sparked thoughtful conversations about healing, trust, and vulnerability. Every member said they'll be continuing the series as new books are published! "Perfect for readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers romance, coach's daughter tropes, and emotionally rich stories."
The Book Clurb: "A great match and the perfect book to kick off the summer! We enjoyed it so much that we selected one of Sarah Bailey's earlier books for our next read! We loved how the author handled the characters' trauma with care and respect, and watching them grow throughout the story was one of our favorite aspects of the book. The character development sparked a thoughtful discussion and kept us invested from beginning to end. We also enjoyed meeting Sarah Bailey virtually. Her passion for her work shines through, and it was fascinating to hear more about her writing process and the story behind the book. Getting to know the characters through Sarah's eyes made the experience even more meaningful. Recommended for readers who enjoy bad-boy/good-girl romance, emotional character growth, and stories that stay with you long after the final page."
Menu: "Food mentioned in the book: lasagna, Caesar salad, tomato soup, grilled cheese, Italian grinders with dill pickle spears, In-N-Out-style sliders, cucumber watermelon salad, and roasted sweet potatoes. Drinks: cold brew with vanilla cream and honey—a 'honeysuckle latte'—and milkshakes. Dessert: lemon bars, chocolate raspberry mousse cake, plums."
The Page Ladies: "TATTERED TIDES was a great fit for us! Members loved the emotional depth, atmospheric writing, and character relationships. The story sparked discussions about loyalty, survival, healing, and trust, and many readers became very invested in the characters. We discussed character growth, redemption, trauma, and the emotional impact of certain relationships and choices. The setting and atmosphere were also big conversation points, along with the romantic dynamics and twists throughout the story. Even members outside the genre found themselves pulled into the story and eager to discuss it. We recommend TATTERED TIDES to book clubs that enjoy atmospheric fantasy romance, emotional character journeys, and morally complex relationships."
Off The Shelf: "Our book club absolutely fell in love with Most of us gave it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, and it's hands down our favorite GalleyMatch selection to date. As the first book in a series, we all agreed we'll be continuing—and several members have already added Bailey's backlist to their must-read lists.
Bailey's poetic, lyrical writing completely captivated us. This honest, heartfelt story of young love, resilience, and healing follows two emotionally scarred characters whose vulnerability, patience, and undeniable chemistry had us hooked from the very first page. Equal parts swoon-worthy and heartbreaking, the novel broke our hearts—and slowly put them back together again.
Our discussion focused on the book's emotional depth, including trauma, family support, healing, and one particularly thoughtful conversation about the portrayal of sexual assault and how trauma can affect someone's perception of events. We also loved the memorable bookstore scene and talking about Willow's favorite bookIf you love angsty young love, friends-to-lovers, small-town romance, a coach's daughter, a troubled surfer hero, and an emotionally vulnerable heroine, don't miss this one. It delivered just the right blend of romance, tension, hope, and healing—and our club couldn't stop talking about it.
Menu: To match the beach-town setting, we served a taco bar for lunch and lemon bars for dessert—a nod to one of the book's sweetest early moments.
Just For The Thrill of It Book Club, Dallas, Georgia; Kensington Book Club, San Diego, California; That's What She Read, Coatesville, Pennsylvania; Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING by Lisa Scottoline (Grand Central, 7/26)
A woman who risks her life to help her closest friend find justice for a tragic crime and realizes she has more power than she ever knew.
That’s What She Read: “From the first chapter, Lisa Scottoline reminded us why she's such a master storyteller. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING is a true page-turner that kept us guessing, questioning, and eagerly turning pages. This novel is a beautiful exploration of lifelong friendship and unwavering loyalty. The friends' devotion, sacrifices, and complicated choices sparked a thoughtful discussion about how far any of us would go to protect someone we love. We also appreciated the subtle thread of psychic intuition, which added just the right touch of mystery without overshadowing the emotional heart of the story. And the ending: without spoilers, Lisa Scottoline delivers a satisfying conclusion that had us talking long after we turned the final page.As Pennsylvania readers, we enjoyed the familiar Philadelphia-area references. The neighborhoods, landmarks, and local flavor made the story feel authentic and added an extra layer of connection for our group. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING gave us everything we look for in a book club pick: compelling characters, suspense, heartfelt relationships, and a memorable ending. Highly recommended!"
Menu: "Philly/4th of July foods to go along with the themes in the book: potato salad, Philly Cheesesteak egg rolls, Pretzel Dogs, Tastykakes, Red, white, and blue cookies/brownies, lemonade."
Activities: "Tarot card readings and used psychic decor, and made bag tags from colored stones/gems."
Just For The Thrill of It: “We love a good thriller filled with murder, small-town secrets, and unexpected twists, and THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING delivered! Everyone enjoyed this one.” The fast-paced chapters kept us turning pages as we chased one question throughout the story: What did Grandma Kay find during the cleanup, and did it ultimately get her killed? We were drawn into the conspiracy, the corrupt cops, and white supremacist connections, while cheering for Courtney and Julia as they refused to give up in their search for the truth.
A favorite discussion topic was their strong friendship and loyalty, sparking conversation about the importance of female friendships, the role of family, and how motherhood influences the choices we make and the risks we're willing to take for the people we love. There were many surprises, emotional moments, and discussion-worthy questions. We found ourselves debating characters' decisions, motivations, and what we would have done in similar situations. We recommend this page-turner to clubs that enjoy fast-paced mysteries, small-town secrets, emotional depth, and strong female friendships."
Menu: "Mediterranean pasta, bread with olive oil, grape and cheese, and cookies, inspired by the Tuscan setting."
Kensington Book Club: "Our book club spent the evening diving into this gripping thriller, a fantastic read for those who love high-stakes suspense paired with deep emotional bonds." The story moves quickly from the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany to a dark, secret-filled town in Pennsylvania, making it a true edge-of-your-seat read. The bond between Julia and Courtney was the heart of the story, and the final twist beautifully reinforced the themes of empowerment and female friendship. Our liveliest discussion centered on Julia’s journey—learning to trust her psychic intuition while finding the courage to stand up for justice as the plot takes increasingly dangerous turns. We highly recommend this for book clubs that enjoy fast-paced mysteries, powerful female friendships, emotional depth, and twists that keep everyone talking long after the last page."
Menu: "Green salad that had tension-building crunch and lemon brownies to add sweetness to our night."
Reading Between the Wines: “We enjoy mysteries, so this was a good fit. There were a lot of twists and turns in the story to keep us reading! There were so many discussion topics: the importance of female friendships, balancing those friendships with motherhood and marriage, as well as instances of ageism and racism characters in the book experience. Recommended for those who enjoy detective and mystery novels, and books featuring female friendships.
Menu: "Philly cheesesteaks and Pennsylvania Dutch apple pie in honor of the Pennsylvania locations referenced."
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Book Bandits, White River Junction, Vermont; Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Blu Stocking Society, West Allis, Wisconsin
THE LAST MANDARIN by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (Minotaur, 5/26)
A mother and daughter caught in a global reckoning where family, loyalty, and power collide.
Book Bandits: "We were completely drawn into this fast-paced political thriller that combines history, family drama, and global suspense into a page-turner that had me on my toes, thinking outside the box, and cheering on Alice and Vivien. New revelations constantly shifted the narrative. Our group was especially intrigued by the international politics, cultural details, and the complex relationship between Alice and Vivien Li. The connection to the Terracotta Army and archaeological discoveries added a fascinating historical layer, while the family drama and mystery made the characters feel authentic and relatable. The story balanced high-stakes suspense with deeply personal relationships. The cultural elements—from Chinese history and traditions to the vivid descriptions of food—immersed us in the story. Recommended for readers who enjoy: political thrillers with international intrigue, family secrets, archaeological mysteries, and stories that explore culture, identity, and the impact of the past on the present."
Menu: Asian food.
Reading Between the Wines: "We enjoyed the change of pace that came with a gripping political thriller, and the novel sparked a fascinating discussion about friendship, history, and the power of women's voices. Our conversation centered on the evolving relationship between Vivian and Alice, as well as the Chinese history and mythology woven throughout the story. We were especially intrigued by Nüshu, the secret language created and used by women in China, which played an important role in the plot. A great pick for book clubs that enjoy political thrillers, rich cultural history, and strong female characters."
Menu: "We enjoyed dishes inspired by the book, including Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup, coconut buns, and mango bread."
Bibliobabes of Orland Park, Illinois; Girls’ Clubhouse, Auburn, California; Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; That's What She Read, Coatesville, Pennsylvania
GOOD JOY, BAD JOY by Mikki Brammer (St. Martin's Press, 3/25)
A novel about friendship over the decades, self-discovery, and what it means to have a life well-lived.
Bibliobabes: "An ideal read for our book club, as we are all mothers, and the mother-daughter relationship between Joy and Elizabeth sparked a heartfelt discussion about the strong female relationships in the novel—friendships and family bonds that aren't perfect but are real, complicated, and constantly evolving.
We loved that Joy tried to become ‘Bad Joy,’ although many of us were anxious about some of her choices. We were especially frustrated with Elizabeth for unloading on Joy the way she did. As mothers, we all agreed that what we do for our children comes from a place of love, concern, and a desire to do what is best for them—even though we don't always get it right. Elizabeth's words stung, but we were grateful that the confrontation became a turning point for Joy.
We also loved the friendships between Joy and Hazel and Joy and Rowan. We agreed with Joy's belief that your greatest love doesn't have to be romantic. Everyone went home with a garden plant provided by our hostess, symbolizing our friendships and the different roles we play in our relationships, much like Joy explained about her garden." Some days a plant is thriving and robust, while on other days it may be more dormant—a beautiful reminder that relationships, like gardens, need care, patience, and time to flourish".
Menu: "Joy's Pasta e Fagioli, Vegetable Lasagna, Garden Salad, followed by snickerdoodles, chocolate chip cookies, and lemon cake."
Literary Lovelies: "We absolutely loved this book! What resonated most with our group was its celebration of friendship. We've been together for six years and have supported one another through health challenges, weddings, divorces, babies, new homes, and heartbreak. We connected deeply with the lifelong friendship between Joy and Hazel and the way they always showed up for each other.
We especially enjoyed discussing Joy's relationship with Elizabeth, particularly their heartfelt conversation later in the book. Rowan was another favorite character, and we admired that Joy took the time to get to know him when others didn't truly. We loved seeing an older main character who was still active, making new friends, embracing new experiences, and continuing to grow. Joy reminded us that life doesn't stop offering opportunities for connection and adventure as we age. A highly rated read for book clubs that enjoy stories about friendship, community, and finding joy in every stage of life."
Girls Cubhouse. "This book was a perfect match for our group. Many of us are at the stage of life where our parents are aging, ill, or have already passed away, so Joy's story resonated deeply. We loved its message about embracing change and continuing to grow, no matter your age. Our discussion centered on what it means to be a 'good' daughter, mother, wife, teacher, or friend—and how years of life experience have taught us that there is no single right way to be "good." Having been friends for more than 25 years, we've raised our children together and are now watching them navigate adulthood. We talked about our shared hope that our children are happy, healthy, and perhaps even a little wiser than we were at their age.
This story is an ode to enduring friendships—both with others and with ourselves. As Joy faces the challenges of aging, loss, and change, she learns that growth often comes from the difficult moments. We found ourselves cheering for this gentle soul as she learned to color outside the lines and bloom more fully, much like the garden she loves. Perfect for book clubs that enjoy thoughtful stories about friendship, aging, family, and personal growth."
Menu: “A beautiful lunch outdoors at The Hive garden. We ate salads and desserts in honor of Joy and her garden and love of baked goods."
That's What She Read, "This heartwarming, entertaining read was a favorite with our club! We especially loved the beautiful portrayal of the lifelong friendship between Joy and Hazel. Their relationship felt authentic, relatable, and served as a reminder of the power of friendship through life's joys, challenges, and changes. We enjoyed following Joy's journey of taking risks, stepping out of her shell, and shedding the feeling of invisibility after a lifetime of being a rule follower. The characters were easy to connect with, and we found ourselves invested in their journeys and rooting for them throughout the book. The themes of friendship, aging, resilience, forgiveness, and finding purpose resonated strongly with our group. One of our members felt a particularly deep connection to the story, having experienced a decades-long friendship that mirrored Joy and Hazel's relationship. Our discussion centered on whether we identified more with Joy or Hazel and how our parents influence who we become as adults. A delightful, uplifting selection that sparked meaningful conversation and left us with a renewed appreciation for friendship, community, and the small moments of joy that enrich our lives. Highly recommended for book clubs that enjoy character-driven stories about relationships, personal growth, and embracing life at every age."
Menu: "Inspired by Hazel's rebellious spirit, we decided to 'eat dessert first' with a dessert bar featuring an assortment of sweet treats. Savory offerings included Joy's Garden Goodies—fresh pico and chips, vegetables and dip, and veggie pizza. To toast friendship and summertime adventures, we enjoyed Joy's Summertime Sipper, a refreshing blend of lemonade, Malibu, and crushed ice."
Read Between The Wines, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Tomball Book Club, Tomball, Texas; Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; FireHearts, Loxley, Alabama
BLOODLUST by Sandra Brown (Grand Central Publishing, 3/26)
A thriller about a detective seeking justice for his murdered wife with the help of a psychotherapist. while fighting an undeniable attraction to her.
Readers By The Water: "We love suspense and character-driven stories, and BLOODLUST gave us plenty to discuss!”- The mix of mystery, emotional stakes, and romance sparked a lively discussion — especially around Mitch’s grief and his struggle between revenge and healing. Members said the twists kept them turning pages, and we had fun debating the characters’ motivations and choices. The therapist–patient relationship also led to a thoughtful conversation about boundaries, trust, and how trauma shapes decision-making.A romantic thriller set near Lafayette, Louisiana, added an extra layer of connection and atmosphere for our North Louisiana book club. We loved the fast-paced suspense, emotional depth, strong character dynamics, and twists."
Menu: “We leaned into the setting with a themed book-inspired meal, including Mitch’s Muffuletta sliders, pasta primavera, 'Blue Crawfish' dip —a nod to the restaurant mentioned in the novel. We like our thrillers like our cheesecake — dramatic and slightly suspicious, so for dessert: Strawberry Swirl 'Crime Scene Cheesecake.' Decor set the mood with Spanish moss, candlelight, and red table linens."
Reading Between the Wines: We enjoyed the fast pace and love a good mystery and thriller—this one delivered. We read BLOOD MOON last year, so it was fun to revisit these characters in the second book in the series. Our discussion focused on the central mystery and those twists near the end, along with deeper themes—loss of a spouse, the value of therapy in processing trauma, and complex family dynamics, especially Mitch’s relationship with his in-laws.
A great pick for clubs that enjoy propulsive romantic suspense novels."
Menu: "We enjoyed fried chicken, biscuits, hush puppies, and cornbread at Hattie's Restaurants in Saratoga Springs—a nod to the Southern and Creole flavors in the story."
Read Between The Wines: “The group enjoyed the book selection and especially liked the twists and turns of the storyline, along with the contrasting personalities of the characters. Mitch became a major topic of discussion—some members loved him, while others viewed him as manipulative and a conman. We spent a great deal of time debating whether Mitch may have been the true villain of the story because of his many different sides. Members were intrigued by Ronald’s dark, religious nature and Dr. Ryan’s naivete, which created a compelling mix of characters throughout the novel. Everyone agreed it was a real page-turner, and hearing other members talk about finishing the book inspired others to keep reading as well. We’d especially recommend it for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a splash of romance."
Menu: "We met at YOT Bar & Kitchen, a seafood restaurant right on the water, and it started storming just as we finished—perfect timing!
Tomball: ”We had a great dialogue on the book, and it sparked thoughtful discussion around the many moral and ethical dilemmas the characters faced. Much of our conversation centered on the complicated relationship between Mitch and Dillion, particularly given Dillion’s role as Mitch’s therapist, and the ethical questions surrounding their interactions. Everyone agreed the writing style was engaging and easy to breeze through. We met at a local library branch on a community college campus, and members enjoyed that the novel was outside their usual genres. Of the 17 people in attendance, only about three had previously read Sandra Brown, making it an especially interesting introduction for most of the group.”
Menu: "Homemade trail mix called 'Sweet Revenge'.
FireHearts: " I. Loved. Every. Bit. Of. It. So many in our group loved this book—and it earned multiple ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ratings! We were drawn in by the mystery and suspense, with just enough romance woven throughout to keep things interesting. The second half was completely action-packed and hard to put down!
We were hooked from page one—several readers finished in under 48 hours! Even those who don’t عادة gravitate toward murder mysteries couldn’t stop turning the pages, thanks to the alternating POVs between the killer and the ‘good guys.’ Recommended for readers who enjoy suspenseful police procedurals. fast-paced thrillers with romantic elements, dual POV storytelling."
Kensington Book Club, San Diego, California, Book Club Babes, Jensen Beach, Florida, Booked Up Teachers, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Bibliobabes of Orland Park, Illinois
SHOULD HAVE TOLD YOU SOONER by Jane Ward (She Writes Press, 2/26)
An art historian revisits London decades after a youthful love and life-altering loss.
Book Club Babes: “SHOULD HAVE TOLD YOU SOONER was a great match for our club — we loved the topic, the location, and the themes so much that we invited the author to join us! Jane Ward was gracious, kind, and an absolute joy. Her virtual visit was truly the icing on the cake. Our discussion was amazing. Jane entertained all of our questions: What inspired the book? Was she an art student in college? Did she have a vision of the piece of art Henry first created all along? Has she been to all those parts of the UK? Is there a history of adoption in her family? Our most engaging discussions centered on the masterful descriptions of art and on thoughtful character conversations — especially those involving the grandmother and Andy. We highly recommend for book clubs that enjoy stories of love lost and found, art, and the rich settings of London and Wales.
Menu: "We leaned into the British theme and food references with cheeses, Welsh rarebit, bangers and mash, and bread pudding."
Kensington Book Club: “SHOULD HAVE TOLD YOU SOONER hooked everyone. It strikes the perfect balance of love, friendship, and the everyday thoughts many of us face as we navigate life. The characters were so likable we found ourselves wanting more from each of them—a beautiful story with a touch of art and so much warmth. Our discussion centered on how, at times, you must change your life to create the one you truly want. That process can be tough and confusing, but ultimately it’s what brings you closer to your dreams. This is a thoughtfully pensive read that leans into the messy reality of ‘what if.’ We loved following Noel on her journey back to London years after her breakup and the difficult decision to give up her son for adoption. Jane Ward’s use of art and swimming as metaphors for Noel’s guarded heart felt especially creative, and the unsent letters from her son truly tugged at our heartstrings. We all agreed it’s a moving reminder that you can’t compartmentalize your past forever—eventually, you have to wade back into the water to find peace."
Menu: "We met on the front porch, which felt like the perfect setting. Fresh flowers, mini sweets, and light appetizers paired beautifully with both the book and the warm weather.”
Booked Up Teachers: "This was one of our best matches. We all loved the quieter pace—it felt like a reprieve from faster-paced books. A character-driven novel with a touch of romance and a hint of mystery, this story resonated. Those of us who are mothers felt deeply for Noel and her choices, while others loved the 90s setting and all the nostalgia woven throughout. The tension between Noel and Henry kept us hooked, and the slight mystery surrounding Noel and Bryan’s son added an extra layer. The dual timeline—college years in the 90s and present day—worked beautifully to bring it all together. Emotional, messy, and thought-provoking, this is a great pick for fans of relationship-driven stories—and we’re still thinking about that final line."
Bibliobabes: "This book sparked one of our liveliest discussions yet. We were divided on Noel—some of us understood her motivations, while others felt many of her decisions were selfish. One member described Noel as being “stuck at 19,” and we expanded on that idea throughout the evening, noting how some of her choices lacked maturity and good judgment. Some felt she did everything she could to salvage her relationship with Alice, while others thought she didn’t put in enough effort. We also talked about how different the story might have been if Noel had been in a solid marriage with Andy—and what might have happened if she had actually run into Brynn. While opinions on Noel varied, we unanimously loved Cal, Henry, and Gertie. We appreciated the straightforward storytelling, the strong relationships, and the touch of mystery woven throughout. One favorite aspect was that when Noel and Brynn realized they were geographically close, the story didn’t drag out their meeting for chapter after chapter. Perfect for clubs who enjoy: emotionally layered characters, relationship-driven fiction, and discussions with plenty of differing opinions.
Menu: "We gathered at a member’s home and enjoyed a spread of cheeses, fish and chips, and a savory cabbage casserole."
Book Hens, Goshen, Kentucky; Teacher Friends who Read, Plainville, Ohio; Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Ferguson Township Employee Book Club, Pennsylvania
DAUGHTER OF EGYPT by Marie Benedict
A novel about a young woman who unearths the truth about a forgotten Pharaoh—rewriting both of their legacies forever.
Book Hens: "We loved reading about Egypt—such a new and fascinating setting for all of us. Set against the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, this novel brings Lady Evelyn Herbert into the spotlight, alongside the bold and unforgettable Hatshepsut. Strong women, layered timelines, and rich history made this an engaging, thought-provoking read. The dual timeline sparked a split: some were hooked on Evelyn’s story, others drawn to Hatshepsut’s powerful rise. There was much discussion around the risks Evelyn took—was she brave or reckless? And the bigger theme of who 'owns' history and artifacts led to one of our longest conversations of the night. A must-read for fans of historical fiction, ancient Egypt, and powerful female leads."
Teacher Friends who Read: 'As fans of historical fiction, DAUGHTER OF EGYPT was a fabulous match for our club. The dual timelines transported us not only to a new location but also deep into the history of Egypt."We especially loved learning about life during the time of the Pharaohs — the pomp and circumstance, the class system, and the role of women — as well as the early 1900s storyline. Our discussion centered on the two strong female characters and how they overcame obstacles simply by being women in their respective eras. We all thoroughly enjoyed it — and walked away feeling like we learned so much along the way."
Reading Between the Wines: “A great match for our club—we love historical fiction, and the dual-timeline format really drew us in. The story sparked rich discussion around ancient Egypt and archaeology, especially the mystery of Hatshepsut. We were fascinated by this powerful female Pharaoh and speculated on why her successor may have erased her reign.
We also talked about Evelyn—her choices, and the expectations placed on her by family and society—as well as the broader history of colonialism in Egypt and ongoing efforts to return stolen antiquities."
Menu: "Complemented the setting, with a mezze spread of babaganoush, roasted garlic hummus, muhammara, and za’atar labneh—delicious Middle Eastern flavors that brought the evening together."
Ferguson Township: "The discussion flowed easily across themes and time periods. We found ourselves talking about women and their roles in different eras and cultures—what has changed and what hasn’t—and how those expectations continue to shape lives today. The historical fiction elements sparked conversations about the 'curse' of Tut and memories of the traveling exhibit from a few years ago, which added an extra layer of interest. positive discussion, and we also enjoyed connecting this book to others by Marie Benedict that we’ve read together."
Menu: "Spread of Lebanese favorites—baba ganoush, hummus, grape leaves, and tabbouleh with pita—alongside scones with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and tea.".
Off the Shelf Book Club, Greensboro, North Carolina; Not Your Mother’s Book Club, Gallatin, Tennessee; The Literary Coven, Silverhill, Alabama; FireHearts, Loxley, Alabama
WICKED ONYX by Debbie Cassidy (Page and Vine, 2/26)
In a ruthless magical academy where she’s cursed and powerless, the last Onyx must unravel dark family secrets and navigate dangerous alliances to reclaim her legacy and make those who betrayed her pay.
Off The Shelf: "Fully invested in this dark academia laced with desire and full of secrets begging to be uncovered! We agreed there was a heavy focus on world-building at the start. When the action ramped up and the plot began to coalesce, we enjoyed it immensely from that point through the end. The subplot involving Ana’s nightmares and sleepwalking was particularly intriguing. and a driven FMC with a dark past who refuses to fail. We enjoyed WICKED ONYX and look forward to reading the next installment, especially since this ends on a cliffhanger! We’d recommend this to book clubs that enjoy forbidden love, dark academia romance with a ghostly subplot."
Menu: "Our favorite place in the book was the magical cafeteria that would serve you any food you wanted—so we took turns sharing what we’d request, with many choosing comfort foods from their moms or grandmothers, such as meatloaf with mashed potatoes, homemade buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy. We served favorite appetizers as a nod to that cafeteria: ham and cheese sliders, pretzels with cream cheese and hot pepper jelly, brie with crackers, chips, and guacamole."
Literary Coven: “Our book club loved WICKED ONYX—as fans of fantasy, it quickly became one of our favorite picks. The story delivered all the dark academia vibes we enjoy, along with a strong, independent FMC who kept us rooting for her from the start. We also loved the variety of potential love interests, each bringing something different to the story, which kept us guessing the whole time about who the true love might be. The twists and unanswered questions left our group buzzing with theories—and we cannot wait for book two to see what happens next. Recommended for readers who enjoy dark academia romance."
FireHearts: “We absolutely ate WICKED ONYX up. Several members gave the book 5 stars and loved the fast pace, dark academia vibes, magic, and supernatural tension—with a fun, low-spice slow burn. Ana was a standout —quirky, direct, funny, and confidently independent, with a cast of side characters everyone adored (even the ones we loved to hate!). The multiple potential love interests kept us guessing, and the plot twist at the end sparked a big discussion— we discussed how the reveal changed everything. We’re buzzing with predictions for Book 2. If you’re looking for dark academia, supernatural beings, and magic, tied in with some murder mystery and sexy humor, WICKED ONYX is right up your alley— A good spooky *Supernatural meets Charmed* vibe! The author's interactions with our social media posts made the whole experience even better!"
Not Your Mother’s Book Club: "We’re big fantasy readers, especially when there’s a hint of romance that doesn’t take over the story, and this hit the mark. This was a true crowd pleaser—which isn’t always the case for us! The real surprise? A few Sterling fans in the group! But overall, Benedict and Dori were the standouts. Everyone really enjoyed it—and we’re already eagerly awaiting the next book in the series."
Boy’s Book Club, San Jose, California; Off the Shelf, Greensboro, North Carolina; Grim Readers, Eastford, Connecticut; Shelf Sabotage, Willow Spring, North Carolina; Boston Book Society, Boston, Massachusetts
PRESUMED GUILTY by Scott Turow (Grand Central 1/26)
Retired prosecutor Rusty Sabich is pulled back into the courtroom to defend his fiancée’s son, accused of murdering the local prosecutor’s daughter, forcing him to confront justice, loyalty, and the high stakes of truth once more in the third installment in Turow's legal thriller series.
Off the Shelf: “We enjoyed the peek into the courtroom setting and the mystery surrounding the murder. We especially enjoyed the peek into the courtroom setting and the mystery surrounding the murder. The behind-the-scenes look at court proceedings and defense strategies added an extra layer of intrigue and depth to the novel as a whole.
We were surprised by the outcome! Our discussion centered on whether knowing the murderer’s identity and justification ultimately helps or hurts the victim’s loved ones, and we concluded that the truth can be just as painful as uncertainty. We would have preferred to see stronger female characters who were also fundamentally decent people. An excellent courtroom drama if you enjoy smart, well-crafted legal thrillers that explore racial prejudice, cultural stereotypes, and high-stakes courtroom drama."
Menu: “Light for this late, busy weeknight meeting — a fruit tray, charcuterie board, pretzels, hummus. It felt fitting given the quick meals Rusty grabbed and the paltry prison food Aaron was served.”
Boys Book Club: "PRESUMED GUILTY generated lively discussion, differing viewpoints, and thoughtful debate—exactly what our club looks for in a selection. A true page-turner with great characters, this courtroom drama sparked discussion about the line between guilt and innocence, ethics within the legal system, personal bias and power dynamics, and whether justice and truth always align.
We debated who we thought committed the murder—and some weren’t even sure the case would be fully solved in the end. Rusty’s emotional journey—from loneliness to love, doubt, and ultimately choosing Mae—gave us plenty to unpack. Responses were mixed in the best way: some members were deeply engaged by the legal and ethical issues, while others focused on character motivations and moral complexity. We recommend this read to book clubs that enjoy legal thrillers, courtroom drama, moral ambiguity, and thoughtful discussions about justice, power, and human fallibility. Bonus: we loved reading and discussing a book we might not have chosen on our own."
Menu: "Bratwursts, hoagie buns, mustard, and sauerkraut —mentioned in the book."
Shelf Sabotage: “We were surprised by the twist—none of us saw it coming—and loved how it kept us hooked right through the very end. This was such a great match for our group! If ylist. The beginning is a slow burn, but it’s clearly setting the stage… and once the trial starts? Oh my gosh—we couldn’t put it down. The courtroom scenes were so tense and immersive that it felt like we were sitting right there in the gallery watching it all unfold.
One of the fun parts of our discussion was that one member’s dad is a criminal defense attorney, so we got to talk about how realistic everything felt—from the legal strategy to the messy, complicated characters. Nothing felt overly polished, which made the stakes even higher.I forgot how much I love a good legal thriller—and wow, I absolutely ate this one up. This was my first book by Scott Turow, but it definitely won’t be my last. The ending?! Kudos to you, Mr. Turow, because I did not see that coming. Highly recommend for anyone who loves layered characters, gripping courtroom drama, and a twist that delivers."
Grim Readers: "Everyone in the group loved Presumed Guilty. Readers especially enjoyed the courtroom drama—piecing together the evidence and waiting for the verdict kept us fully engaged. The characters were a big draw, with Rusty emerging as a clear favorite. The ending sparked the biggest discussion. It’s quite a twist and led to a lot of conversation around the controversy. Members are already planning to seek out other books in the series. Several compared Scott Turow to John Grisham and were glad to be introduced to another standout courtroom thriller writer."
Boston Book Society: “This one sparked so much discussion. The author did a great job showcasing his law background—it was clear in how well everything was explained. Some thought the novel could double as a guide for anyone interested in becoming a defense attorney. One of our attendees is a paralegal and especially loved how realistic it felt.
Everyone liked Aaron’s character and had sympathy for him—we were all surprised by how the incident actually played out and found ourselves rooting for him. We also had an interesting side conversation about the television series, since a few members had seen it.”
Bibliobabes of Orland Park, Illinois; Book Bandits, White River Junction, Vermont; Just for the Thrill of it, Temple, Georgia
THE BOOKBINDER'S SECRET by A.D. Bell (St Martin's Press, 1/26)
A young bookbinder hunts for the truth when a confession hidden beneath the binding of a burned book reveals a story of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder.
Bibliobabes: “A perfect match for our book club. We were all so intrigued by the art of bookbinding and the intricacies that go into it. We loved the mystery and danger woven throughout the story and never knew what was going to happen next. It was the perfect blend of learning something new amidst an engaging, twisty plot.
“We loved the contrast between Lily’s seemingly mundane, solitary life as a bookbinder and her wild escapades outside the confines of her job. We marveled at her sometimes questionable decisions and constantly wondered what trouble she’d get herself into next. We unanimously adored Mr. Caxton. We love discovering something new while diving into a story that keeps us turning the pages."
Menu: "Soup and sandwiches, recreating English cafes throughout the book. We had burned broccoli (it's an actual thing!) that must have fallen in with the burned book, English pea salad, and a myriad of desserts, including baklava, which symbolized the many layers of this story."
Book Bandits: “A fun and exciting discussion—it was intriguing, thought-provoking, pushed the limits of the timeframe, and delivered a true historical treasure hunt.”— The characters grabbed our attention, and we needed to learn who was behind these hidden notes. Are they real letters, and if so, who is behind the pen? We discussed Lily’s search for the missing books, the danger lurking at every turn, and her deeply felt, complicated relationship with her father. Lily’s spunk and tenacity completely won us over—an apprentice bookbinder in 1901 navigating forbidden love, buried secrets, and a mystery that crisscrosses England by train. Recommended for book clubs that love historical fiction, books about books, and treasure-hunt mysteries."
Just for the Thrill of it: “Everyone loved this book! We couldn’t stop talking about it, even while reading. A great mystery with unforgettable characters. We adored Lily — strong, brave, stubborn, and smart — and debated whether she should have chased the hidden story despite the risks. We loved discovering Abel Bell, the grandmother–granddaughter duo, eccentric Ambrose, precious Mr. Caxton, and both Harry and Charlie in their own ways. The twists kept coming — Mrs. Chand, the stolen book, and all the surprises along the way. Our favorite part was the story within the story. Watching Lily uncover the full truth — and getting that satisfying ending — was perfect. Now we all want to know: will there be another book?”
Kensington Book Club, San Diego, California; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri
FEAST ON YOUR LIFE: Kitchen Meditations for Every Day by Tamar Adler (Scribner, 12/25)
A record of daily delights from inside the kitchen and just outside it—designed to help you find joy every day.
Kensington Book Club: “You might think food would make for a limited discussion, but there was so much more to FEAST ON YOUR LIFE, a story you’ll want to savor. Everyone loved this book. We discussed craving more connections with people, cooking, and nourishment—especially during the busy holiday season. It was fascinating to dig into why we cook at all, with so many varied and deeply personal reasons. We were excited to slow down their cooking this holiday season and embrace the moments that come along with enjoying food.
The incredible descriptions of food pull you in and leave you craving more connection—with people, with cooking, with nourishment. The section titled 'Why Cook?' struck a chord; many of us found ourselves reading that list again and again. Maybe you cook to feed children, to have a reason to stand when gravity feels too strong, to give the butter somewhere to go, or for a million other reasons.
Deep down, we all know food plays a significant role in our lives. When you pause to consider the time, energy, and love you pour into making meals, a bit of magic rises to the surface. This book can be devoured all at once—or savored slowly, like soup simmering on the stove all day.
Menu: "Grilled Cheese, Caprese, Cacio e Pepe, Mushroom Ragout, Panzanella Salad, Olive Bread, Tiramisu. Food selections and ingredients were all inspired by the book and Adler’s descriptions of cooking."
Ranch Readers: “Whether it’s picking fruit from a tree, strolling through a farmers' market, visiting friends, enjoying a basic home-cooked meal, crunching granola, or discovering a surprising new flavor, this book renewed our appreciation for cooking in its simplest form." We all enjoyed the unique diary—memoir format. As the author writes, it makes you 'scour your kitchen to find delight,' and that’s what her book did for us—helping us discover new ways to appreciate the simple joys of food, flavors, cooking, and daily life with friends and family.
We admired the poetry in her words and the emotion behind them as she uncovered a small daily nugget about food connected to family, friends, occasions, travel, and everyday experiences. It caused us to reflect on our food memories and the unexpected joys we’ve found in trying new foods while traveling and living in different places throughout our lives.
Adler, a former chef, cookbook author, and food journalist, was at a point in her life when she wanted to re-appreciate the pleasures of food, cooking, and life in general. Our book club—made up of seniors from many backgrounds—related deeply. We discussed the ease of the repetition of shopping, meal planning, and daily cooking, and how this book gently reminded us to slow down and celebrate the simple moments.
Adler doesn’t stress fuss or perfection—she celebrates the easy, the ordinary, and the meaningful: leftover beans for breakfast, the scent of basil on the cutting board, and even the quiet mystery of mushrooms. This was a lovely, thoughtful read that reminded us how much joy lives in the everyday."
Menu: "Our hostess served Pumpkin Kringle: she lived in Sweden at one time, and the Kringles bring back memories for her. I think Tamar would approve! "
Happy Bookers: “Our club found so much to ponder in FEAST ON YOUR LIFE. From simple, everyday relationships with menus and meals to the anticipation of festive foods for the holidays ahead, Adler's meditations provided us with plenty of food for thought about our own food memories and meal plans.
"A single sentence in Adler’s daily meditations—listing reasons why we cook—sparked something unexpected: members began sharing reflections beyond our meetings, extending the conversation into our daily lives. A Feast on Your Life offered a wonderful opportunity to grasp moments of joy and gratitude during a busy season of cooking and caregiving. We found new delights within our kitchens and much to discuss in Adler’s thoughtful meditations and reflections—especially the reminder to slow down and appreciate. Even our one member who doesn’t like to cook (and rarely does!) enjoyed it. We were pleasantly surprised: a different pick for our group, but one we all truly enjoyed. This would be a lovely read to start the new year."
Biblio Babes, Orland Park, Illinois; Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; CT Lit Club, Southington, Connecticut
THE STORM by Rachel Hawkins (St. Martin's Press, 1/26)
A gothic suspense set in a Gulf Coast beach motel where hurricane season can be murder.
Biblio Babes: "THE STORM was a fantastic match. It was a perfectly paced mystery without many red herrings. It kept us thinking about the deeper connections throughout. The way the characters’ sometimes disastrous lives echoed the chaos of the hurricane was such a powerful touch. The relationships kept us guessing, and even some of our slower readers finished in just a few days. We enjoyed connecting the dots—recapping who was related to whom, who was hiding secrets, and what tied them all together. The choice not to name the different voices at the start of each section gave us plenty to discuss. And while we knew one of the outcomes early on, the suspense of when and how it would happen kept us hooked until the end."
Literary Lovelies “THE STORM was a total winner for us—we all loved this fast-paced thriller, which was a hit with the whole book club and one of the author’s best books yet. The location was atmospheric—it completely won us over: a historic old inn that has survived Category 5 hurricanes and is about to be tested again. We loved reading about a place we weren’t familiar with. We liked the news clips interspersed throughout the book, and the multigenerational aspect of the story, with Geneva’s family and her mother’s friends playing a big role. We adored the history behind each storm, the dual timelines, the flashbacks, and the book excerpts. St. Medard’s Bay has it all—deadly hurricanes, a haunting old inn, and decades-old secrets swirling faster than any storm. Members commented, ‘This is the fastest I’ve read a book in a long time—I couldn’t put it down,’ and 'I binged it in one night.’
Dinner and a Book, Cedar Springs, Michigan; Madame Woods Book Club, Wiscasset, Maine; Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York
THE GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE by Kristina McMorris (Sourcebooks, 2025)
A spellbinding tale of a young, half-Chinese mother navigating Portland’s Chinatown and Shanghai tunnels, determined to build a future for her daughter in a world that shuns outsiders.
Dinner and A Book: "This book gave our group a fast-paced mix of adventure, history, and women’s empowerment. Celia’s choices sparked passionate debate, and members with half-Chinese and half-Japanese grandchildren shared moving personal connections to the story."
Menu: "In a nod to Celia’s heritage, both Chinese and American food: A Tea Bar, Spicy Pork Bao, and Pork and Veggie Dumplings. Beef stew and bread, a nod to the meal Celia and Owen were given when they were captive on the ship in San Francisco, along with Silver Cake, lemon Snaps, and Chinese Mooncakes, for dessert."
Madame Woods: "Our group isn’t new to Kristina McMorris—having loved SOLD ON A MONDAY and THE WAYS WE HIDE— but THE GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE swept us away in the best possible ways.. We were heart-wrenched by the hidden history of the Shanghai Tunnels and the exploitation of Chinese immigrants brought to build U.S. railroads. Celia, our main character, finds herself in quite a pickle, and her naïveté does her no favors. Yet, we witnessed her true coming of age as she defended her family’s heritage and legacy. Lettie, who befriends Celia and Pearl at the brothel where they live, stood out to us. Complex and scarred by trauma, she showed us the power of camaraderie and sisterhood. We discussed our favorite moment: the deeply satisfying ending captured themes of resiliency, justice, and redemption”.
Literary Lovelies: "Our group loves historical fiction, and THE GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE stood out for its unique setting and its exploration of anti-Chinese sentiment, something most of us had never read about before. We found the story fascinating and appreciated how vividly the author brought this period to life. As mothers, we struggled with Celia’s decision to leave her baby with strangers. While we understood her grief over her father’s murder, it felt difficult to reconcile with her role as a mother. We admired Celia’s resilience and her fight for justice and survival, proving how far a mother will go to protect her child.
We especially loved the beginning of the story, with Celia’s romance and hopeful plans for marriage into a wealthy family. The betrayal, her fall into hardship, and her fight back made the story powerful and layered. GalleyMatch introduced us to this author and time period—one we would never have discovered on our own!"
Menu: "The author's recipe for lemon snap cookies."
Boulder's Backyard Book Club, Boulder, Colorado; The Epicurean Readers, Fremont, California; Teachers Who Read, Plainville, Ohio; Fab Five, Appleton, Wisconsin
THE ART SPY, The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland by Michelle Young (HarperOne, 5/13/2025)
A saga set in Paris during World War II, THE ART SPY uncovers how an unlikely heroine, Rose Valland, infiltrated the Nazi leadership to save the cultural legacy of the West.
Boulder's Backyard Book Club: “The Art Spy turned out to be a great pick for our group—even though we usually lean toward fiction, this non-fiction story really drew us in. We had a lively and layered discussion. Everyone agreed the story itself was incredible, and the amount of research behind it was immense. One member—who has famously only liked two books ever—said this was one of them!
There was a range of reactions to the storytelling style. We discussed how the names, titles, artwork, and details were essential to understanding the scale of the operation. Most agreed that Rose Valland’s story was compelling We loved seeing familiar names like Picasso and Matisse portrayed as real people navigating wartime life—not just revered, distant artists. The book offered a fresh perspective on World War II, focusing less on the typical themes of devastation and more on the resistance in unexpected forms: a museum clerk, a locksmith, and artists who quietly pushed back. We were especially struck by the sheer volume of art that was looted and how many people worked to preserve it.
Discussion highlights included who saw the Rosenberg twist, which scenes would be the most cinematic if this were adapted into a film, and just how surprising it was to discover a new kind of hero in Rose Valland."
Menu: gougères, Madeleines, Kir Royale cocktails, croissant sandwiches, grapes, and veggies—a perfectly French spread to go with the book!
Fab Five: “This book was so well-researched and written that it inspired some of us to dive into extra research on the artists and works mentioned — always a good thing!" –
"We especially appreciated the epilogue and photos. The story of Rose Valland, a Resistance spy who infiltrated Nazi leadership to save stolen art during WWII, brought Paris and the era vividly to life. The book also sparked deep discussion about women’s untold roles in WWII, the Monuments Men, and the haunting question: What would our world be like today if all that art had been lost?
Quoting the author: 'I hope that in The Art Spy, I have managed to bring Rose to life and give her the recognition she is due.'For us, Michelle Young most certainly did."
Teachers Who Read: "Our group absolutely loved this historical read that introduced us to a lesser-known but fascinating figure in the art world who helped protect priceless works from the Nazis. Many of us have long enjoyed visiting museums across Europe or teaching Spanish art, especially the works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, who are mentioned in the book, so we felt a real connection to the subject matter. We were especially fortunate to attend the author's talk at the Bexley Public Library, and it was such a treat to meet her afterward and learn more about her background and process. Hearing Michelle read to us was a highlight. We were all surprised —and impressed—) to learn that it took four years of research and writing to bring this story to life. She approached it as both a journalist and an author, delving deeply into old artifacts, diaries, and historical documents to ensure that she captured Rose Valland’s story with accuracy and care. Getting that behind-the-scenes glimpse into how the book came together made the experience even more meaningful—and of course, meeting the person behind the book always adds something extra special to any book club discussion. We recommend THE ART SPY to those who enjoy historical figures, nonfiction, and the art world."
The Epicurean Readers: "THE ART SPY offers a vivid look at WWII that brings overdue attention to overlooked heroine Rose Valland.Journalist and architecture professor Young weaves together Valland’s story with other wartime accounts into a generally compelling narrative. We had a lively discussion—it was eye-opening to learn about this particular part of WWII history and to see how art played a role in it. We wanted to know more about Rose and Joyce’s relationship and Joyce’s experience being captured. We loved how Rose saved Frida Kahlo’s portrait and were struck by the sheer scale of Nazi art plunder.
Some of us were surprised that Rose was not always at the center of the narrative. Still, it was very informative, and most of us hadn’t realized just how much artwork was stolen during the war. Recommended for readers who enjoy non-fiction and art history."
Menu: "Brie en Croute, Salade de Chèvre Chaud (warm goat cheese on salad), charcuterie board, salade niçoise, stuffed endive spears, French bread, rosé, and a cherry clafoutis for dessert."
Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
NIGHT WATCHER by Daphne Woolsoncroft (Grand Central, 7/25)
The tale of a late-night radio host who hears stories of hauntings for a living—until one caller’s tale triggers memories of her own brush with a serial killer, and she realizes he’s back to finish what he started.
Reading Between the Wines: “We enjoyed NIGHT WATCHER—it was fast-paced and kept us reading! The eerie vibe throughout kept the suspense level ratcheted up, making it a great match for our group —we love mysteries and suspense! Our discussion covered: Nola’s experience with the Hiding Man and the trauma she continues to face, how Nola’s relationship with her father shifts over time, and the enduring popularity of true crime—in books, podcasts, and beyond.
If you’re looking for thrillers and chilling reads, NIGHT WATCHER delivered plenty to discuss."
Menu: "Oregon-inspired food and wine, including Pinot Noir and marionberry pie, celebrating the novel’s setting."
Page Ladies: “If you love thrillers with late-night radio chills and just enough creepy vibes to make you double-check your locks, NIGHT WATCHER is for you. We enjoyed this twisty, moody thriller— set in foggy Portland, it had us rooting for Nola, questioning everyone, and maybe even yelling at the book a little. Some of us wanted a bigger twist at the end, but the slow-building tension? Chef’s kiss. We discussed how the radio show setting added an eerie, intimate feel—talking to strangers in the dark made the story even more unsettling. We also debated whether we trusted Nola’s dad, and how the strained family dynamics added emotional weight. A great read for book clubs who like discussing trauma, trust, and true-crime vibes with a supernatural twist."
Teachers Talking Texts: “We had a great time discussing NIGHT WATCHER. Thrillers are always a hit with our club—whether you love them or hate them, they always spark a lively discussion. This one was no exception. From the start, we were captivated.
We especially enjoyed discussing the suspects. Most of us were convinced that we knew the killer's identity, and were genuinely surprised when the reveal took a different turn. The suspense kept us guessing throughout, and the eerie atmosphere added to the tension. If you’re looking for a thriller that creeps you out and keeps you guessing, NIGHT WATCHER delivers.”
Girls Clubhouse, Auburn, California; Off the Shelf Bookclub, Greensboro, North Carolina; Book Hens, Goshen, Kentucky
THE LIES THEY TOLD by Ellen Marie Wiseman (Kensington, 7/25)
A novel about a young immigrant who fights for her daughter, her dignity, and her life against America’s rising eugenics movement.
Off the Shelf: “We unanimously gave THE LIES THEY TOLD five stars! We loved this stunning and important book, which highlighted a portion of American history too often swept under the rug”. Few of us knew about the practice of eugenics in the United States, and we were appalled to learn how it was used to incarcerate and forcibly sterilize individuals in rural communities. We agreed that it’s a history that should be discussed more in schools and acknowledged by the National Park system. Our discussion also centered on what we would have done in Lena’s situation, from staying in the U.S. when her family was deported to fiercely protecting our children. We reflected on what makes a 'good home'—love or privilege—and concluded that while privilege is valuable, love is the most essential foundation."
Menu: “Ham and pickle sandwiches —a nod to Lena’s first meal in America— assorted vegetables and cheeses, crackers, pigs in a blanket —an American take on Lena’s German heritage— blueberry cobbler and fruit salad (inspired by fresh fruits available on the farm), and strawberry bars. “
Girls Clubhouse:” A powerful and fitting match for our group. We were moved by its exploration of women’s autonomy—or the lack thereof—and how that theme played out in the life of the main character, Lena."Our discussion focused on Lena’s new life on the farm, her relationships, and her determination to provide for her child. Her resilience stood in contrast to the grief of losing both her parents, the concern over her brother, and the threat of losing her child or her freedom. We were struck by the unique perspective of an immigrant woman thrust into a foreign land with limited language skills, navigating loss, fear, and motherhood while gradually building a new sense of agency.
The trauma she endured was overwhelming—children taken away, the horrors of the Colony, forced sterilization, the seizure and destruction of property. These events opened up a broader discussion about eugenics in America. We were appalled to learn that forced sterilizations occurred in the U.S. until the 1970s and questioned how many families may have been affected. The story offered a stark reminder of this country’s history of excluding and marginalizing those who are different, prompting us to reflect on current events, including ICE and immigration policy. We also discussed how the manipulation of memory shaped the lives of the children—false stories repeated until they became ‘truth, controlling not just their pasts, but their futures. The story reminded us of books we've read and loved, including Only the Beautiful and One Thousand White Women. We agreed we’d recommend this novel to friends. "
Menu: "Apple Pandowdy, as it was traditionally made on farms and as described in the book.”
Book Hens: “This one gutted me — in the best way. It’s the kind of story that slowly wraps around you: dark, emotional, and beautifully written. At its heart, it’s about two sisters and the devastating consequences of silence, shame, and sacrifice. I kept asking myself: What would I have done?
Wiseman doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff — mental health institutions, war trauma, family betrayal — and yet there’s so much heart and hope woven through the pain. It gave us plenty to talk about, and we especially loved the author’s notes, which added even more depth to the story."
Readers by the Water, Natchitoches, Louisiana; Read Between The Wines, Fort Lauderdale, Florida,; That's What She Read, Coatesville, Pennsylvania
THE UNRAVELING OF JULIA by Lisa Scottoline (Grand Central, 7/25)
A gothic tale about a grieving young widow who journeys to Italy after unexpectedly inheriting a Tuscan estate from a mysterious benefactor—only to find herself entangled in a perilous conspiracy.
That’s What She Read: ‘Our group LOVED THE UNRAVELING OF JULIA! As we live outside of Philadelphia, we especially enjoyed the Philly references and also appreciated learning about the Italian components of the story." We found the story fast-paced and loved the short, snappy chapters — each ending with a little hook. Gianluca’s parts were some of our favorites. We discussed beliefs and experiences related to mediums, horoscopes, and who reads theirs, as well as how horoscopes influence our decisions and actions. We enjoyed reading our monthly horoscopes to see if they aligned with our lives, then crafted wine coasters for our individual zodiac signs using a diamond painting technique."
Menu: "Chianti wine; Aperol Spritzs, Lemonade; Margherita Pizza, Caprese, Caprese Pasta Salad, Philly Pretzels, a nod to the Philadelphia aspect of the story, Cannolis; Italian Cookies and Biscotti, Ferrero Rocher Candy."
Read Between the Wines: THE UNRAVELING OF JULIA was a great match for our group, especially since many of our members enjoy psychological thrillers.We appreciated Julia’s emotional journey and the bonds of friendship woven throughout. The book sparked meaningful discussion, even among those who don’t typically choose stories in this genre, making it a refreshing change for us. We had lively conversations about Julia’s abrupt decision to fly to Italy in search of someone she had never met, as well as the many conspiracy theories surrounding who might be after her, the haunting atmosphere of the villa, and her journey to uncover her birth family and find love again. Overall, THE UNRAVELING OF JULIA delivered a twisty mix of romance, murder, deception, ghostly encounters, and heartwarming family reunions—elements we’d recommend to any book club."
Readers By The Water: “A twisty, supernatural story that definitely got us talking! A great fit for our group—our differing opinions led to a lively and engaging discussion. One of our members, a botany professor, especially enjoyed the conversation around the mysterious drug and its hallucinogenic effects. We also had fun unpacking Julia’s obsession with astrology and the role it played in her decisions. From horoscope horrors to Tuscan twists, eerie blue lights and ghostly speculation, this novel sparked conversations on everything from psychic powers and star charts to whether Gianluca was too good to be true—and whether a ghost might’ve really made an appearance. Inspired by the novel’s cosmic themes, we tried something different this month: we used Libby Apps' blog post, “The Books You Should Read This Year Based on Your Zodiac Sign', to see if our stars might guide our next pick.
Menu: "We toasted the novel's Tuscan setting: Tuscan Bean Dip, Fresh Garden Salad, Italian Charcuterie Board, Marinated Mozzarella, Campanelle Pasta Salad with Shrimp, Lemon Basil Cookies, Gelato. "We toasted the novel's Tuscan setting: Tuscan Bean Dip, Fresh Garden Salads., Italian Charcuterie Board, Marinated Mozzarella, Campanelle Pasta Salad with Shrimp, Lemon Basil Cookies, Gelato. Two members brought the same Chianti —Marchesi Frescobaldi—because it had a château on the label!”
Lit Ladies, Melbourne, Florida. Grim Readers, Eastford, Connecticut; Just For the Thrill of It, Temple, Georgia
KISS HER GOODBYE by Lisa Gardner (Grand Central 8/25)
A new installment of her Frankie Elkin series, in which Frankie is called Arizona, to find a missing Afghan refugee and solve a mystery.
"The Grim Readers dove into Kiss Her Goodbye and declared it their best GalleyMatch yet! We had a great discussion, nd a new favorite protagonist to rally behind. Some members were new to Gardner’s work and found this an excellent introduction to her writing. Others read the entire Frankie Elkin series to see her evolution—and agreed each book stands strong on its own, but reading in order adds depth.
This quick, intense read sparked powerful conversation about immigration trauma and the emotional toll on refugees. Gardner takes us on an eye-opening journey into the life of an Afghan refugee and the trauma involved with having to leave their country, and the problems with immigration. Frankie’s search for the missing Afghan girl opened our eyes and our hearts. We also loved seeing Frankie—who calls herself a loner—unexpectedly gather a team of allies. We’re hoping they make it into future books! Lisa Gardner always brings the important stories of our real life to her fiction, and is appreciated. She also likes to include a new animal in each Frankie Elkin book. This story has a friendly iguana named Petunia that you will love!"
Just For the Thrill of It: "We had a fantastic time previewing KISS HER GOODBYE. We enjoyed the combination of suspense and humor. One member finished the book in a day, and another described the experience as 'like reading a movie. The quirky cast of characters stood out. We loved their diverse backgrounds and how they came together as the perfect misfit team of crime fighters. Sabera, her mother, and her daughter sparked a lively conversation—we were all impressed by how smart and resourceful they were. The cultural elements added depth, and piecing everything together made for an engaging read. Everyone liked this reading selection, and we are already looking forward to reading more in the Frankie Elkin series."
Lit Ladies: We had a fantastic discussion around Kiss Her Goodbye –this was a great match for our mystery-loving group! We appreciated the fast-paced plot, layered characters, and the cultural depth woven throughout. The author did an excellent job balancing the heavy subject of the Taliban’s impact and refugee trauma with the levity of Frankie Elkin and her quirky supporting cast (yes, even the petsitting subplot!).
We were especially drawn to the strong female leads—Frankie and Sabera—and had a lively debate about Sabera’s uncanny gift for languages. The rich details about Afghan culture stood out, and it was clear Gardner did her research. None of us had read the Frankie Elkin series before, but we’re all eager to pick up the rest now!
Menu: "We met at Skewers Mediterranean Grill and paired our conversation with falafel, kebabs, and Turkish coffee—perfect for the theme"
Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas; Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Tea with Jane, Dallas, Texas
AUSTEN AT SEA by Natalie Jenner (St. Martin's Press, 5/25)
Two Jane Austen-loving siblings who journey to England, where Austen’s last surviving brother reveals a long-hidden secret
Book Buddies: “We had a grand time celebrating AUSTEN AT SEA and all things Jane! We found ourselves thoroughly charmed by Jenner's Austenesque tale. Everyone chimed in with how much they loved the book, making for a lively dinner and discussion." One member said, 'It’s like re-reading Jane Austen' and another, 'I adored the book and I’m in love with Haz!' We spent much of our discussion savoring the delightful characters, especially the Admiral, whom we all agreed was impressively spry at 91. Naturally, we also had strong feelings about Fanny and her misdeeds! Book Two: The Sea emerged as our collective favorite, with the 'theatrical' element earning special praise.
The story’s central themes of family, legacy, and second chances deeply resonated with us, and we were all especially delighted by the romantic possibility of the sisters finding love with the bookseller brothers. It was an enchanting read from start to finish—one we’ll fondly remember."
Menu: "From JANE AUSTEN'S TABLE by Robert Tuesley Anderson: Elizabeth Martin's Sausage Rolls, Salmagundi, Chawton Cottage Garden Risotto, Devises Cheesecakes, and Blueberry Cobbler."
Tea with Jane: “We enjoyed reading and discussing AUSTEN AT SEA! We are members of the JASNA, so we are all ‘Janeites’. We had an excellent discussion. Members loved the book, and that the story was based on the real events of Susan and Anna Quincy, Austen admirers, who wrote to Sir Frances Austen in 1852. We appreciated Jenner’s thorough knowledge of Jane Austen, which was woven throughout the book. We read an article from the JASNA website, 'A Note on a Jane Austen Connection with the Massachusetts Historical Society: Justice Story, Admiral Wormeley, and Admiral Francis Austen.' The letter given to the Quincy sisters —Jane's letter to her friend Martha Lloyd— is now in the Massachusetts Historical Society."
Menu: "Seafood-based treats and Boston Cream Pie for dessert, with nautical decorations. We toasted the book with 'Sea Blue' Champagne by using blue cotton candy."
Revivals: “AUSTEN AT SEA provided an entertaining fictional narrative of Jane Austen's life and her personal effects following her death, with rich historical details, which we find most appealing. Jenner wove some of Jane Austen's best works into the story. which read like an ‘Austen for Dummies’ in the best way. We all enjoyed the book and are curious and inspired to reread Austen’s novels to further appreciate Jenner's introduction and comments about them. Natalie referred the reader to being able to research the factual details in the book—this was easy to do and enriched our discussion of the book. Recommended for those who enjoy Austen, historical fiction, and well-developed novels.”
Menu: "Garden patio lunch with seasonal salad, sourdough bread, and rhubarb bars."
The Joy of Reading, Roseville, Minnesota; That's What She Read, Coatesville, Pennsylvania; Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Book Hens, Goshen, Kentucky; Key Women Educators, Royal Palm Beach Florida; The Joy of Reading, Roseville, Minnesota; No Shelf Control, St. Albans, Vermont; Blu Stockings Literary Society, West Allis, Wisconsin; Kings Chapel Book Club, Arrington Tennessee
STRANGERS IN TIME by David Baldacci (Grand Central, 4/25)
Set in London in 1944, about a bereaved bookshop owner and two teenagers scarred by World War II, and the healing and hope they find in one another.
Joy of Reading: “A great match! We've read many novels set during World War II, but this one offered a fresh perspective by focusing on three individuals, notably, two children. We were especially interested in seeing the war through a child’s eyes. Their stories of loss, perseverance, and survival deeply drew us in. As many of us work with children, we’re especially attuned to how trauma impacts young lives. We also recognize the transformative power of even one caring adult. In this story, the adult character fulfilled that role beautifully, while also undergoing his healing journey. We appreciated learning new historical details, such as the air raid wardens' responsibility to account for every member of the community and the German use of mustard gas—facts many of us hadn’t known before.
We all enjoyed the book and were moved by its message of endurance and personal strength in the face of a crisis. The writing style was engaging and accessible. Most of us were familiar with Baldacci through his mysteries, so it was refreshing to experience a different side of his work."
That's What She Read: "As historical fiction fans, this was an enjoyable and engaging read. We were especially drawn to its strong character development and unique perspective on World War II through children's eyes. We met on May 8th, which we discovered was the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a key event also celebrated in the story.
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of our discussion centered on mental health, particularly how the trauma of war impacted children. We discussed how such experiences forced kids to mature quickly, making decisions or taking actions they would not have in peacetime. This prompted us to reflect on how a small moment can shape or change a relationship, and how unexpected friendships can emerge even in difficult circumstances.
This was the first Baldacci book for many members. While we’ve read other novels of the era, STRANGERS IN TIME stood out thanks to the perspective of younger characters. By the end, we were fully invested in Molly, Charlie, and Oliver—and eager to see where their stories would lead."
Menu: "A tea party, and crafted candles to tie in with the wartime blackouts! Our menu included War Cake, tea sandwiches, tea and shortbread, fruit kabobs, cream puffs, veggie pizza, and a meat and cheese tray with crackers."
Reading Between the Wines: “We all enjoyed STRANGERS IN TIME and had a lively discussion. We like historical fiction and mysteries, and this story was a great fit. Discussion highlights included how the war brought together people who might never have crossed paths otherwise. We talked about how Molly, Charlie, and Ignatius became a kind of family through the chaos of war. We also reflected on how quickly Molly and Charlie had to grow up in wartime, and how all three characters were able to support one another during pivotal moments in their lives".
Menu: Orange Cranberry and Lemon Blueberry scones, and War Cake, popular during war shortages."
No Shelf Control: "A perfect match for our book club—every member rated it 5/5,.. We all found it gripping—the twists and turns, historical setting, and suspenseful pace made it both entertaining and thought-provoking. We played a book bingo game with hidden prizes—each book held secret codes and bookmarks tucked into compartments, echoing the espionage and secrecy of World War II London. Our discussion touched on how the beginning reminded some of OLIVER TWIST, while others drew comparisons to THE UNDERGROUND LIBRARY, noting how people press on with life even amid the chaos of war. Two quotes sparked deep conversation. The first—'How a single madman could do so much damage to the world'—led us to reflect on our current political climate. The second, from the book’s closing lines—'We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted,'—made us appreciate the support of friends and family, especially our book club."
Menu: "Jaffa Cakes and War Cake, in honor of Charlie.”
Key Women Educators: " A fantastic match. Everyone who read it loved it. While we expected to enjoy the book based on our familiarity with the author, we were all surprised by how much it exceeded our expectations, especially since Baldacci is writing in a different genre. We had lively, thought-provoking discussions that touched on espionage, trauma and healing, the roles of women and children in wartime, and economic disparity—topics that felt relevant even today. It was a powerful story of friendship, personal loss, recovery, survival, and love, wrapped in mystery, history, and intrigue. The pacing was fast, and the writing masterful. As the discussion leader, I had prepared with a publisher's guide, but it wasn’t needed—we had enough material for two meetings. This book was a joy to read and discuss, and we’re grateful for such a wonderful match."
Menu: "We met at Paddy Mac's, a pub serving English food to match the setting."
The Blu Stockings Literary Society: "A well-written story that immerses you in each character’s life. Although the novel is set during World War II, the story approaches history from a different perspective, adding a layer of mystery and several unexpected twists. This unique angle sparked great discussion and made for a compelling read. We felt as if we lived their experiences alongside them. The story made us reflect on what life must have been like for the children who lived through this era and the frightening world they had to navigate each day. It also highlighted how vital it was to have someone to connect with—someone who could offer a moment of joy or a sense of normalcy amid such uncertainty.We recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction and are interested in exploring both the humane and inhumane aspects of life during this time."
Kings Chapel Book Club: "We had a wonderful experience reading this novel, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The characters were well developed, and we found it especially compelling to view the war through the eyes of young people. Despite the harsh circumstances they endured, their strong bond and determination to care for one another stood out. They were barely surviving, yet always striving to do the right thing, which led to rich and heartfelt discussions. We were also deeply moved by the storyline involving Molly’s mother, whose mental illness, though tragic, was portrayed with sensitivity and depth. It prompted an insightful conversation about the advances in mental health treatment over the years and how differently her condition might be handled today. Many of us have read a lot of WWII historical fiction, but this one felt unique in its focus on displaced children and their experience of the war. Even one member who doesn't typically read historical fiction said she enjoyed it. Thank you so much for matching us with this title—it was highly rated across the board and sparked meaningful reflection and dialogue."
The Book Hens: "Our book club was completely captivated by this novel. Baldacci’s beautiful, immersive writing style pulled us right in, and we were quickly invested in the story of 14-year-old Charlie, an orphan trying to survive in WWII-era London. His decision to quietly drop out of school and resort to stealing felt heartbreakingly necessary given his circumstances. Living with his grandmother—the only family he has left—Charlie’s world is shaped by fear, loss, and the constant threat of war. But when he meets Molly, a fellow orphan with a very different past, and Ignatius, a widowed bookstore owner with a heart of gold, the story blossoms into something truly special. The powerful bonds formed through shared grief and hardship were moving, and the characters’ resilience inspired us. We spoke at length about each of them—what they faced, how we might have acted in their place—and we especially loved how some characters who seemed unlikable at first eventually won us over. This book was a hit with our entire group, and many of us are eager to read more by Baldacci. It's the kind of story that stays with you and makes for rich, emotional discussion—perfect for a book club. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and found-family narratives."
Novels and Nibbles, Churchville, Pennsylvania; Kings Chapel Morning Book Club, Arrington, Tennessee; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; 37AS Spouses Book Club
TALES OF A PET VET by Dr. Dawn Silos (She Writes. 3/25). A memoir about Dr. Filos' journey as a veterinarian, along with the pets and their families she has treated and served,
Ranch Readers: “ We were delighted to read TALES OF A PET VET As current or former pet owners of domestic pets and ranch animals, we appreciated learning about Dr. Dawn’s background, her experiences in the field, and her journey through veterinary medicine. Her fun and accessible writing style made this memoir an enjoyable and engaging read. Although we have good relationships with our veterinarians, we had new insights into strengthening those partnerships and better care for our pets. Dr. Dawn’s stories about her time in veterinary school were fascinating and harrowing — far more intense than we had imagined! We were also touched by her willingness to make house calls, something we value highly in our rural area. Several members shared that they’ve had to make the difficult decision to euthanize a beloved pet at home, and we all agreed that a familiar, peaceful environment makes those moments more bearable for both pets and their humans. Her tales of eccentric pet owners gave us plenty of laughs, and we shared our stories of friends and neighbors who have gone to great lengths for their animals.
One topic that stood out was the idea of a 'pet trust' — none of us had considered this, but agreed it’s important to explore, especially as many of us are in our golden years.
We also found the chapter on 'Western and Alternative Medicine' very informative, and were surprised to learn that acupuncture, acupressure, and other natural remedies can be used to treat animals. It opened our eyes to new approaches in pet care that we hadn’t previously considered. We agreed that we learned much from Dr. Dawn, and recommend her book to other book clubs with pet lovers. Finally, Dr. Dawn kindly signed our books and even included hand-drawn, homemade bookmarks, which we all found incredibly charming!"
Novels and Nibbles: “Dr. Filos, we thoroughly enjoyed reading your book! We live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and had an immediate connection to your story when you mentioned the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, as it’s right in our area. The group was struck by how eye-opening the book was in portraying the emotional and physical demands of being a veterinarian—a real ‘rude awakening’ for many. While your comparisons to three other books were appreciated, we also felt a strong connection to the humor found in Erma Bombeck’s writing, noting a delightful similarity to your own.
As a circle of devoted pet lovers, many of whom have personal experience with house-call vets, the book resonated deeply. The chapters on euthanasia were especially moving, bringing tears to several members as they recalled their own heartbreaking experiences. Ziggy Stardust emerged as a group favorite, and the stories of Georgia and Edna touched hearts, especially given their impressive longevity.
The discussion also touched on your regret over not being trained in acupuncture, sparking the question: how do you keep a pet still for such a delicate procedure? Your unwavering commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired great empathy and admiration from everyone. In the end, the overwhelming sentiment was: we all wish you were our pet’s vet. Thank you for a book that made us laugh, cry, and—most importantly—deeply appreciate the sacrifices and rewards of a career in veterinary medicine.”
Kings Chapel: “This was such a great discussion—one that really touched the heart! Several members are lifelong animal lovers, including one whose two daughters are veterinarians, and they are now reading the book. We were all deeply moved by the heartfelt stories of the animals Dr. Filos has cared for over the years, and especially impressed by her extraordinary dedication as a traveling pet vet. Her compassion and commitment truly stood out and gave us all a deeper appreciation for the profession.
A meaningful part of our discussion was about how naturally it turned into a walk down memory lane. Everyone had a story to share—whether it was about a favorite childhood pet, the way a current pet came into their life, or the special bond they’ve shared with their animals over the years. The emotions ran high, and more than a few tears were shed as we talked about how much our pets mean to us. It reminded us just how important the work of veterinarians is—and how lucky Dr. Filos's clients are to have her care and expertise.
Initially, a few members worried that the book might be too sad, but we were pleasantly surprised by the warmth, humor, and joy woven throughout. While there were certainly touching, emotional moments, they were beautifully balanced by laugh-out-loud anecdotes and uplifting experiences. In the end, everyone agreed: this was a book that made us feel deeply, laugh often, and reflect on the animals who’ve been part of our lives. This is a rewarding read for anyone who loves animals.”
37AS Spouses: “Getting the chance to speak with Dr. Filos brought the experience full circle and made it even more meaningful. Our discussion with her was heartfelt, and much of it centered around the parts of the book that resonated with us as pet parents. We especially appreciated learning about topics such as including pets in wills, having a plan in place in case of an owner’s untimely death, the use of holistic medicine, and the unique advantages of mobile veterinary clinics. Many of us admitted we might not have picked up this book on our own, but we’re so glad we did—it expanded our reading horizons and gave us a new appreciation for memoirs like this. We loved the adorable bookmarks that came with the books! We chose the one that most closely resembled our pets. It was such a thoughtful touch that made the experience even more personal and enjoyable."
OverReaders Anonymous, Cummings, Georgia; Book Club Babes, Jensen Beach, Florida; Book Club by the Sea, Isle of Palms, South Carolina
WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE by Mary Alice Monroe (William Morrow, 5/25)
The first of two epic and triumphant novels celebrating one intrepid woman's life across multiple generations in the American South.
Menu: "Chicken, Gumbo, Sweet Tea, Benne Wafers, Saltwater Taffy
Sweetgrass Book Society, Charleston, South Carolina; Literary Coven, Silverhill, Alabama; Romantic Adventure, Gainesville, Virginia; KC Ladies, Littleton, Colorado
THE LOVE HATERS by Katherine Center (St. Martin’s Press, 5//25)
A video producer who can't swim profiles a dreamy Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West
Sweetgrass: “We love a good rom-com, and THE LOVE HATERS delivered. It was a light, summery, fun read—easy to get into, funny, fast-paced, and entertaining. We especially enjoyed the banter, the creative premise, and the vibrant setting. The plot twists—like the brother showing up with the boss, and the hurricane finale with the dog—kept things exciting. And we loved the Gals! A great pick for anyone who enjoys a flirty summer romance with humor and heart.
Menu: “Tropical drinks. We wore summery caftans to match the vibe."
Literary Coven: "A perfect summer read. We found Katie, our FMC, incredibly relatable—especially in her struggles with body insecurity. We appreciate that the Center tackles heavier topics—family trauma and self-esteem—while maintaining a light tone. We loved the characters, the witty writing, and the plot. And shoutout to our goodest boy, George Bailey, for being the wingman. Hutch? Hutch, phhheww! Do we have a thing for men in uniform now? The quirky, awkward moments throughout the story made it even more heartwarming, the twists and turns had us laughing, and the ending left us smiling. Highly recommended for fans of quirky rom-coms with heart, humor, and strong character growth. This was the first time we had read a book by Center, and we’re excited to explore her other work."
Menu: “Dinner at 850 Fusion & Bar with margaritas!"
Romantic Adventure: “We loved this charming, cute, and funny novel. We appreciated the focus on body acceptance. One member— a dietitian who works with adolescents and eating disorders—was moved by Katie’s journey with self-image and plans to recommend the book to patients. This was a fun and refreshing change of pace from our usual romantasies. The splinter-in-the-bum meet-cute had us laughing out loud, and there were so many other memorable moments that were fun to relive. A perfect pick for those who enjoy lighthearted romantic comedies that make you cheer for Katie.”
Menu: "Key West theme: shrimp, chips and salsa, key lime pie, and margaritas to match the book’s breezy, summer vibe."
KC Ladies: “Given the current state of the world, THE LOVE HATERS was exactly the kind of book we needed—light, uplifting, and a page-turner. We all enjoyed this rom-com and appreciated the break it offered from heavier reads. It felt like the perfect summer or beach book—fun, fast-paced, and enjoyable. Many of us finished it in just a few days. We especially appreciated the themes of positive body image and embracing your flaws. The main character felt relatable and genuine—someone we’d love to hang out with. Her mostly colorless wardrobe gave us a laugh, and we all agreed that a trip to the book’s sunny, vibrant setting —complete with bold fashion choices and good company– sounded like something we could use ourselves! e with bold fashion choices and good company– sounded like something we could use ourselves! Several members were inspired to check out Katherine Center’s other books.”
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Reckless Readers, Eastford, Connecticut
BLOOD MOON by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 3/25)
A detective and TV show producer working against the clock to prevent another young woman from disappearing before the next blood moon.
Reading Between the Wines: “Our book club reads various genres, but suspense and mystery are always favorites, so Blood Moon was perfect for us! We had a great discussion about the Blood Moon mythology, the Louisiana bayou setting, and the relationships in the book. John and Mitch’s friendship stood out to us, as well as John’s relationship with his teenage daughter, Molly—it added some nice emotional depth to the story. The Louisiana bayou setting gave the story a rich, atmospheric vibe, and the central mystery was fast-moving and kept us guessing until the end.”
Menu: We leaned into the theme and met up at Nanola, a local restaurant known for its Cajun and New Orleans-inspired cuisine. And it was the night of the Blood Moon.”
Reckless Readers: “Our group enjoyed BLOOD MOON. The connection to the Blood Moon and the dark web added an intriguing layer to the mystery, and we all agreed the investigation tied to the moon cycle was a unique twist. The relationship between Beth and John was a big topic of conversation, especially how the story was written from a male perspective and how it focused on their sexual tension. We even scheduled our meeting around the actual Blood Moon! A few of us were determined to stay up and snap some photos, but let’s be real, we all ended up sleeping through it. The pairing of the detective and the crime documentary director was unexpected but worked surprisingly well. Their contrasting approaches to the investigation balanced each other out, and the chemistry between them? Waiting for them to get together was the most suspenseful part of the book!
Menu: “His and hers cocktails to match the characters. For John, a Smoked Whiskey Old Fashioned, and for Beth, a rum and ginger beer cocktail, The Blood Moon."
Words & Whisks, Cortland, New York; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Book Babes, Bedford, Massachusetts; STL Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; Weston Estates Book Club, Morrisville, North Carolina; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri
THE SIRENS by Emilia Hart (St. Martin's Press, 4/25)
A novel about sisters separated by centuries but bound together by the sea.
Weston Estates: "We recently discussed WEYWARD, and found ourselves naturally drawing comparisons between the two books. We appreciated the depth of research that went into the novel, a historically and geographically accurate story that seamlessly blended in elements of fantasy. The portrayal of strong women stood out to us, and we had thoughtful discussions about how, across different timelines, the female characters protected one another from the men who sought to harm them. We also compared the believability of witches in WEYWARD to the mermaids in THE SIRENS and reflected on how each mythology was woven into the story. We’re curious about what subject Emilia Hart will explore in her third novel.”
Menu: Themed treats. We sampled TamTams and Violet Crumble- Australian treats referenced in the book. To symbolize the women’s time on the ship, a Guinness chocolate cake and oranges, mini crab cakes —keeping with the sea trend— rounded out our food options. Drink options included Australian tea. wines, and Guinness.
Words and Whisks: “Our group of historical fiction lovers couldn’t have chosen a better book than THE SIRENS—this one quickly became a favorite among our reads!" The discussion was vibrant when exploring the connection between femininity and the ocean. Hart masterfully weaves these themes together, creating a beautiful tapestry that adds depth and resonance to the story. The novel also served as a coming-of-age journey for Jess, as she uncovered the truths of her life alongside the stories of the women around her.
Hart’s descriptive writing stood out as a major highlight. From the first page, she transported us into the world she built, immersing us in surreal, vivid imagery that made the story almost dreamlike. It had been a while since we’d read a novel so rich in atmosphere, and for much of the book, there was a craving to know more—to dig deeper into the characters and their world. Even better, that curiosity is rewarded. Hart's use of multiple POVs was creative and engaging, making the narrative all the more compelling. Each character had something unique to offer, and we found ourselves drawn to them for different reasons—and fascinated by the forces that brought them together. The themes of sisterhood, abuse at the hands of men, and womanhood all resonated with the group. We highly recommend this mysterious, atmospheric novel, especially for those who enjoy sea tales of womanhood and Irish history."
Page Ladies: ”The topics in the book and the characters sparked lively discussion. This empowering story of sisterhood, interwoven with a touch of fantasy, myth, mystery, and history, truly captivated us. It’s an amazing read—a tale of sisterhood, resilience, myths, magic, and more! With two timelines and two sets of sisters, the narrative converges into a wonderful journey that left us both inspired and reflective. The blend of fantasy and history created an enriching experience, and every twist and turn led to fresh insights on female empowerment, the mystery of the town, and the evolving bonds between the sisters. We read WEYWARD and were thrilled to get a chance to dive into Hart's new book—it did not disappoint! Thank you for sharing this great read.
Book Babes: "A key discussion topic was the historical aspect of Australia being a penal colony for Great Britain. We enjoyed the novel and were especially struck by its central themes of autonomy and reclaiming identity. The sirens’ journey reflected real-world struggles that women have faced throughout history—navigating the tension between societal labels and their true selves. We also found it compelling that the sirens lured bad men to their deaths while protecting women and the good men.”
Off The Shelf Book Club, Greensboro, North Carolina; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri; Reading Between the Wines Book, Albany, New York
THE QUEENS OF CRIME by Marie Benedict (St. Martin's Press, 2/25)
A thrilling story of Agatha Christie's legendary rival Dorothy Sayers, the race to solve a murder, and the power of friendship among women,
Reading Between the Wines: “A fantastic pick for our group! As fans of mystery and suspense novels, We especially appreciated the historical fiction aspect, which combined the lives of five iconic female novelists into a gripping locked-room mystery. It sparked lively discussions about the lives of these trailblazing authors. We were speculating why some of their works remain classics while others have faded into obscurity. We appreciated the theme of female empowerment as much as the mystery itself. The rivalry between the authors added depth to the story, making it as much about character dynamics as it was about the mystery itself. Overall, this was an engaging and thought-provoking read that we highly recommend to fans of historical fiction and locked-room mysteries!”
Menu: "Inspired by the book’s setting in England Veggie crudités with bean dip, Guinness cheddar soup, cottage pie, Butternut Squash & Mushroom Wellington, raspberry scones with clotted cream and black currant jam."
Happy Bookers: "The Queens of Crime was perfect for our group, offering rich historical insight and an engaging mystery. We always appreciate Marie Benedict's ability to educate while weaving an intriguing story." -Happy Bookers Book Club previewed Benedict's novel, the story of Agatha Christie's legendary rival Dorothy Sayers, the race to solve a murder, and the power of friendship among women, courtesy of St. Martin's Press and #GalleyMatch.
"We were unfamiliar with many of the women crime writers featured in the book, and we enjoyed learning about Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Emma Orczy. Our discussion centered around the secret society they formed, the sexism they faced, and the mystery they tackled to prove their abilities. Inspired by the book, we are eager to explore more works by these authors, starting with Dorothy Sayers. Once again, Benedict shines a light on intriguing historical figures in an engaging and accessible way and remains a favorite writer. We highly recommend her new novel for readers who love history, mystery, and learning about trailblazing women. We gathered at our local country club, a nod to the Detection Club featured in the story."
Off The Shelf “We wondered whether the women depicted were friends in real life, and had a few laughs over how petty the writers could be toward each other at times, and we agreed that several characters seemed overly sensitive by today’s standards. Our discussion focused on how the women leveraged societal expectations about gender to further their investigation—such as playing on the police officers’ sympathies toward the so-called weaker sex to gain access to evidence. We found it fascinating how much freedom the women had to travel between France and England to investigate the crimes, something quite different from today's reality, especially for working mothers. This led to a broader conversation about how single mothers and pregnant women still disproportionately shoulder both the societal and financial burdens of an unexpected or unwanted pregnancy. We have read several of Benedict’s novels, and recommend this novel to those who enjoy crime mysteries that confront social injustices."
Menu: "A tea party in honor of the British writers. We served Coronation Chicken Salad, tea cakes, cookies, macarons, sausage balls, meatballs, and, tea."
Teachers are Trailblazers, Plain City, Ohio; Longwood Ladies Bookclub, Goshen, Kentucky, Book Bags, New Prague, Minnesota
STONE ANGELS by Helena Rho (Grand Central, 3/25)
A forty-year-old woman journeys to her cultural homeland of Korea—and uncovers a harrowing secret that makes her rethink everything she thought she knew about her mother.
Teachers are Trailblazers: STONE ANGELS was fantastic, and resonated deeply with us! This novel sparked so many discussions. As teachers, we loved learning about Korean culture, which helped us better understand and support our students from other countries. The book’s incorporation of cultural details, especially the treatment of daughters during the Korean War with Japan and how that affected current generations, was incredibly thought-provoking. We had so many hallway conversations about how the past impacted the current timeline, especially Angelina’s journey to learn more about her mom after her passing.
Everyone commented about how the multiple timelines allowed us to see both the heartbreaking history of the older generation and the struggles of the modern one. While reading about the treatment of women during the Japanese occupation was difficult, it was an important and powerful part of the story. The modern timeline felt relatable, and we enjoyed how Angelina’s journey helped her—and us—better understand her mother and her choices. STONE ANGELS was a perfect match for our group: We enjoy character-driven and family-focused books and the cultural richness of this story added so much depth to our discussion."
Longwood Ladies: "What set STONE ANGELS apart for us was its unique perspective on the World War II era." This novel is set in Europe but told through the eyes of three generations of Korean women. We’re big fans of multiple points of view, and this structure allowed us to connect with each character. The story sparked a fascinating discussion about Korean culture and history, leading many members to research the topics. Angela’s journey to Korea after her mother’s death was so emotional for her and her quest to find her Aunt Sunyuh was gripping. When we learned Sunyuh’s heartbreaking story——we couldn’t put the book down. Sunyuh’s narrative stood out for many of us, as it was deeply moving and eye-opening. Once we were immersed, we were hooked until the very last page. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with emotional depth and a strong focus on women’s stories. We highly recommend it for book clubs looking for a thought-provoking and discussion-worthy read! The vibrant and striking cover art drew us in and we were all excited to display it on our shelves.”
Book Bags: "The overwhelming response from our group was: 'I loved this novel. I loved everything about it!”'Stone Angel captivated us with its powerful storytelling. This novel explores the lives of a Korean family living in the United States, focusing on the relationships between daughters, mothers, sisters, and wives. It also sheds light on the harrowing history of thousands of young Korean women forced into sexual slavery during WWII. The intricate lives of Gongju, her four daughters, and Gongju’s sister, Sunyuh-unni, were beautifully depicted throughout the book.
Our discussion lasted nearly three hours as we delved into the role of women in Asian culture and reflected on parallels in our own lives. We deeply appreciated the historical insights into these tragic events, hidden from public consciousness for years.
Each member received an invitation with a blank puzzle piece, asking them to share a quote or theme that resonated with them. When assembled, our pieces formed the image of a stone angel, symbolizing the book’s key themes. One often-cited quote was: 'To speak of someone is to remember them so they don’t disappear.' This phrase, originally about mothers who wouldn’t speak of their daughters taken into slavery, became a broader reflection on honoring women’s contributions and accomplishments.
Another notable moment from the discussion centered on Angelina’s boyfriend’s remark: “What about duty to yourself? It’s not inherently selfish to think of yourself first. It can be a good thing.” This struck a chord, highlighting the difficulty many women face in recognizing their self-worth and prioritizing their own needs. Another poignant theme was the way daughters inherit and internalize their mothers’ pain, creating cycles of generational hardship. Sunyuh, Gongju’s sister who endured unimaginable suffering as a 'comfort woman' offers Angelina profound advice: while women cannot control men’s cruelty or societal norms, they can control their reactions. This message resonated deeply, as every woman in the story struggles to escape past influences and find an authentic self.
A recurring theme in our discussion was the cultural expectation for women to suppress their desires to please parents, spouses, or society. Gongju, a central character, longed to become a writer but sacrificed that dream after marriage, believing she must achieve success vicariously through her husband and children, 'like all good Korean women were expected to do.' We reflected on how this image of women—expected to set aside their own aspirations for the sake of others—has echoed through our personal experiences and across many cultures. We strongly recommend Stone Angels, which provides a powerful reminder of the value of women’s desires, accomplishments, and voices— and offers historical insights and a compelling examination of women’s roles and resilience."
Menu: “Food plays a significant role in the novel, symbolizing women’s strength and identity. When Gongju divorced, she reclaimed her identity through meals she loved, like hearty tofu and seafood stew. Similarly, Angelina’s connection with Heinrich highlighted the idea that 'carrying on generations of a family through food” is an “act of love.' Our discussion focused on food as a symbol of individual identity and positive family interactions. Each member shared a dish, recipe, or story tied to a woman’s legacy. For Kim, it was her mother’s homemade apple strudel, a tradition captured in a photo book as the family gathered to make it together. Betsy shared how her mother-in-law taught her to can dill pickles, a tradition she’s passed down to her children and grandchildren, with 25–30 quarts canned each fall for 20 years in Gert’s memory. Kathy, a teacher, recalled making Christmas gifts with her students. Though the “easy” peanut brittle recipe her colleague mentioned was never found, Kathy improvised with a microwave and hot plates, creating 50 boxes of peanut brittle with the kids—a tradition she fondly remembers.”
Lincoln Square Book Club, Chicago, Illinois, Books N Cooks, Elk Grove, California; Teachers Talking Tales, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Epicurean Readers, Fremont, California
TARTUFO by Kira Jane Buxton (Grand Central, 1/25)
A cast of colorful characters in a dying Italian village and a giant truffle that changes their fate forever.
Epicurean Readers: “The group loved the variety of characters in TARTUFO, their relationship, and how seemingly, the truffle which initially would seem to be the heart of the story, is a catalyst to getting to know all these wonderful people. The food-focused angle of this book and the subject matter were excellent for our group. We recommend it to those who enjoy cultural escapes, Italian heritage, and colorful characters.”
Menu: "Aperol spritz cocktails, antipasto, caprese salad, porcini truffle risotto, pork ragu (in lieu of wild boar ragu!) with pappardelle, eggplant parmigiana, tiramisu, ciambella cake, gelato, Italian wines."
Lincoln Square: "Everyone enjoyed TARTUFO and commented the imagery was so rich, they could see, smell, or feel like we were there.As a group that loves travel, we appreciated the setting. Many of us have been to Tuscany and appreciated the imagery. We spoke about how the small towns we’ve been to are vibrant and touristy, and we found it interesting to hear about a struggling town. We recommend TARTUFO to those who enjoy stories about quirky characters in a beautiful but difficult setting.“
Teachers Talking Tales: "This was a great surprise and the match was perfect! We read across genres and this big, messy character dram-com fit right in with our varied choices. Readers loved the Italian setting, the interconnectedness of characters, and the madcap adventure of it all. It spoke both to quiet and loud readers. We recommend it to those who enjoy big romps with laughter and heart."
Books N Cooks: "A great match as we all love food, travel, different cultural experiences, and historical fiction We enjoyed the character development, the story made me feel as if I were in the village. When we travel, we like to explore off-the-beaten paths and get to know the locals. I also loved the animals —Al Pacino the cat and Mauricio the donkey. The story sparked conversations about our travels to Italy and food. One member commented that they like the juxtaposition of old and new such as the old barn and village and Zoom calls."
Between Friends, Easton, Pennsylvania and Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey
THE CHRISTMAS INN by Pamela Kelley (St. Martins’s Press, 9/24)
A tale of second chances, family bonds, and rekindled romance set in a cozy Cape Cod inn during the magical Christmas season
Between Friends: “Members enjoyed this charming, feel-good holiday read— a good match as we enjoy women’s fiction, beach locations, and theme meetings”
We loved the author’s engaging writing style, relatable characters, and the positive, heartwarming message about finding where you belong and embracing change.
"We found the novel’s themes around life’s disappointments—job loss, relationship shifts, and the challenge of learning to trust again after being hurt—deeply relatable. The idea that disappointment can sometimes lead to a better, unexpected path resonated with many of us. We appreciated how Kelley allowed the characters to navigate complex emotions like sadness, loneliness, and the resilience of facing life’s challenges.
Menu: “We recreated the Christmas theme from the novel’s cozy bed and breakfast. Our table was set with festive red plates, wine glasses, and an assortment of dishes including quiche, blueberry French toast casserole, scones and muffins, Prosecco, evening wine and cheese, and boxes of truffles as favors, mirroring the ones placed on pillows each night at the inn in the story.”
Book Club Girls: “Absolutely perfect for anyone looking for small town, second chance, family driven, warm and fuzzy holiday feels. This was our second Pamela Kelley book and everyone enjoyed it. We discussed the setting, a favorite part of the book One member loves the Chatham setting so much she posted links to the Chatham Lighthouse, Edaville Family Theme Park and the Chatham Candy manor. Many members have not visited Chatham and we discussed taking a road trip next year
We enjoyed the characters—and the ending. Members said the novel put them in the Christmas spirit., and perfect for a night in with your favorite hot beverage and warm slippers, and a blanket! The food descriptions made us wish we were guests at the Inn.”
Menu: “We suggest a hot cocoa and dessert bar or wine and cheese night as a tribute to the gatherings at the Inn.”
Famished for Fiction, Frisco, Texas; Literary Ladies' Society, Belvidere/Rockford, Illinois; Colonies Book Club, Yorkville, Illinois; Epicurean Reads, Fremont, California
THE WHISPER SISTER by Jennifer Brown (Lake Union, 9/24)
In Prohibition-era New York, a young immigrant girl navigates the hardships of Ellis Island and runs her family's speakeasy as she learns that the streets of New York are not paved with gold.
Famished for Fiction: “We truly enjoyed this historical fiction. We love historical fiction and stories highlighting the struggles and successes of women. We discussed America being the land of opportunity for many people but the struggles ensuing as families try to achieve the American dream. Minnie is in a difficult situation caring for her sisters after the death of their mother. Reading about her struggle to do what was best for them was gut-wrenching. We cheered her on as she took over her father's speakeasy and made it lucrative. We were intrigued by the concept of the speakeasy and its role in 1940s America."
Menu: "We met at a speakeasy in Frisco, Texas for cocktails in honor of our book."
The Colonies: "We were captivated by this marvelous story set in the Prohibition era, unanimously giving it a five-star rating. Jennifer joined our meeting virtually and shared her journey to writing The Whisper Sister, inspired after stumbling upon the term ‘whisper sisters’ and becoming intrigued by the Prohibition era. Our club has a particular interest in the 1920s and 1930s, as these were transformative decades for the nation and especially for women.
Jennifer’s research on Prohibition and the secretive world of speakeasies was fascinating. She explained the challenges of crafting this story, including her in-depth newspaper research about Speakeasy Nights, a news column from the Prohibition era. Hearing how such a “secret” was also publicly known was eye-opening. We especially appreciated her insights into the Jewish and Italian mobsters of the time and the corruption within law enforcement.
A standout for us was Millie, the main character, and her bravery in stepping into roles typically reserved for men during a time when women’s rights were limited. In today’s cultural context, reflecting on the hard-won rights of women that are still under scrutiny made this especially relevant.
Jennifer was warm, engaging, and insightful, and we thoroughly enjoyed her book and our conversation with her. We look forward to exploring more of her work. We recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong characters and heart."
Menu: Mary Pickford cocktails paired beautifully with potato knishes and pickles.
Literary Ladies' Society: "This era and setting were new for us, offering a fresh glimpse into immigrant family life and the Prohibition era. Despite some of Minnie’s poor choices, she emerged as a likable and resilient character. We also contrasted the urban Prohibition experience with the rural lives of our ancestors. The extent of Jennifer Brown’s research for this book was impressive and enhanced our appreciation."
Menu: "Borscht, potato knishes, challah bread, babka, and perekladanets along with the mock cocktails recipe provided."
Epicurean Readers: “We had a lively discussion, This was a great pick, especially for those of us who enjoy historical fiction. We discussed immigration. the interaction between characters, the difficult decisions Minnie needs to make, the historical interest of speakeasies, organized crime, and the depression. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction about old New York City and organized crime."
Menu: “We feasted on excellent food revolving around the books' theme: bagels with fixings, knishes, roasted chicken, cabbage, challah bread, pastrami, lokshen kugel, chopped chicken liver, several salads, veggies, and cocktails: The Mary Pickford, Manhattans."
The Literary Lovelies Book Club of Yonkers, New York; Ranch Readers Book Club of Littleton, Colorado
EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE by Natalie Jenner (St. Martin's Press, 5/14)
A novel about love and art, grief and memory, and confronting the past and facing the future.
The Literary Lovelies: “We loved the period and the Italian location was incredible! In 1955, Vivien Lowry encountered a pivotal moment in her life. Despite the initial success of her play in London’s West End, harsh reviews crush her theatrical dreams. With her future uncertain, she heeds her friend Peggy Guggenheim’s advice and embarks on a journey to Rome’s Cinecitta Studios, where she dives into the bustling world of filmmaking. Amidst rising stars and acclaimed directors, Vivien navigates a landscape torn between past struggles and future promise, all while confronting personal demons from World War II and the mystery surrounding her late fiancé.
"The novel led to a great discussion. We discussed the influence of the Catholic Church, especially in such a religious country as Italy. We were fascinated by the David plotline and the Hollywood celebrities sprinkled throughout the book. would recommend this book to book clubs who love historical fiction with a Hollywood twist."
Ranch Readers: “EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE was intriguing, a complex and character-rich historical fiction novel that led to a lively book club discussion. We were enlightened by the story's depiction of Rome's La Cinecitta, the world’s second-largest movie studio. We learned about the Italian resistance fighters, a topic that we had not read much about before, which led to a lengthy discussion about fascism, and the displaced persons camp that the movie studio was used for.
We felt one of the most endearing characters in the book was Levi Bassano, a New York scriptwriter and a WWII soldier whose story led to his recounting of not just the prejudice and fears that Italians of Jewish heritage faced, but also the post-war investigations being held in America, and the child he was able to help survive during one of the battles in Italy. We were also shocked at the Cardinal Marchetti's ultimate secret and how the Vatican handled it. Many subplots made us stop reading to ponder. We found the character development and their interactions to be quite captivating. The author blended real Hollywood and Italian movie stars, producers, directors, and writers of the 1950s with fictional ones and gave them intricate personalities and histories. We were inspired to read Ms. Jenner's first novels, especially as we are all fans of Jane Austen and had not read THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY."
Menu: "Italian theme: Italian Almond Torte and Lemon Ricotta Pie and espresso."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan
STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE by Lisa Gardner Grand Central, 3/24)
Frankie Elkin is an expert at finding the missing persons that the rest of the world has forgotten, but even she couldn’t have anticipated this latest request—to locate the long-lost sister of a female serial killer facing execution in three weeks’ time.
Book Club Girls of Sparta: We love suspenseful thrillers, and STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE was a great introduction to this new to most of us author. The most intriguing aspect of the story was how many characters risked their safety with immediate medical, transport, and communication issues to work on an island resort project. Additionally, many readers noted Kaylee's remarkable ability to manipulate those around her. The feedback from our members was positive. The vivid descriptions of the island made a few readers feel as though they were living there. Many of us finished the book in just a few days and found it to be the perfect escape-read —perfect for the beach. We agreed that suspending disbelief was necessary to fully enjoy the story. The cover was beautiful, and we were thrilled to hold a finished copy in our hands."
Book Club Girls of Sparta: “We suggest crab cake appetizers, spicy spaghetti bolognese, and a deep rich red wine to give a nod to the events in the book and the famous poke bowl."
Reading Between the Wines: “We enjoyed STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE. The propulsive plot kept us going!”We love thrillers so this was a great match for our book club. The novel promoted much discussion about generational trauma, the lack of attention given to missing girls of Hawaiian descent, and the itinerant lifestyle of Frankie Elkin, among other topics. We recommend to those who enjoy fast-paced thrillers and strong female characters.”
Menu: “Poké bowls from a local restaurant, The Poké Bar in honor of the book’s setting. We also served pineapple and coconut macarons."
The Grim Readers, Eastford, Connecticut; Boy's Book Club, San Jose, California; Hamilton High School Staff Book Club, Hamilton, Michigan; Wendy’s Book Club, Malibu, California; OverReaders Anonymous, Cumming, Georgia; Kings Chapel Book Club, Arrington Tennessee
A CALAMITY OF SOULS by David Baldacci (Grand Central, 4/24)
A mystery set in southern Virginia in 1968 about a racially-charged murder case.
Grim Readers: "Every member loved A CALAMITY OF SOULS!The serious Baldacci fans in the group were excited to get early copies of his newest book There was much to discuss, especially in dissecting the differences between civil rights and racism in the 60s and now. Baldacci nailed the racist vibe of small-town 1968. Violence, hypocrisy, and injustice are forefront, but so is kindness. The relationships between the white male lawyer (Jack) and the Black female lawyer (Desiree) show a powerhouse team despite color and cultural differences. Also, we questioned whether the case would have gone so well if it was just one or the other lawyer handling it, as opposed to both of them. This was my first Baldacci book and I'm now a fan. It was never boring, and I flew through the thick book in two days. I see what the fuss is about."
Boy's Book Club of San Jose: “The captivating plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting provided ample fodder for discussion, and we debated the novel's themes long into the evening." - “The novel introduces readers to retired detective John Miller, whose peaceful retirement is shattered by a series of macabre murders. Miller is a compelling protagonist, his internal struggles and haunted past adding depth to the story. As middle-aged men, we found his journey of redemption and self-discovery particularly resonant, and we appreciated Baldacci's nuanced portrayal of his character. Baldacci's wove together elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. The pacing was brisk, with each twist and turn left us eager to learn the truth behind the town's dark secrets and reminded us of how much we appreciate a good mystery.”
“Hamilton Michigan) High School Staff: "A phenomenal match! A CALAMITY OF SOULS was a perfect choice for our group of educators, including many history and literature teachers. This was the first reading selection members unanimously gave a book a 5-star review. Everyone loved the novel. We noted the allusions to To Kill a Mockingbird with comments such as, ‘it felt like a modern-day twist to the book.’ The story evoked strong reactions and personal connections were shared. Much of the discussion centered on race. It sparked conversations about how far our country has come and we still have to go. This is a powerful book for all people to read.
Wendy’s Book Club: “We grew up in the 1960s and 70s but were still young during the time the book took place. Most of us are from the South, and we found it shocking to read the descriptions of unfairness and cruelty” .
“This was a great match for us as we enjoy thrillers. Our most lively discussion topics were about the treatment of Blacks during this time. We found the treatment of Blacks abhorrent—It was fine for them to serve their White bosses but not use the facilities in the homes where they worked all day. Also, how the racial divide caused by Jim Crow laws continued, despite them being overturned, and the lengths the opposition went to during the trial to set up Jerome Washington. We all enjoyed the book and were saddened by the story. The ending was completely unexpected. We recommend to those who enjoy courtroom dramas and historical fiction.”
Menu: "Pot roast (mentioned in the book) with all the fixings, biscuits, and bundt cake for dessert."
OverReaders Anonymous: A CALAMITY OF SOULS was a great match for our book club and a timely read. Everyone enjoyed the book. A timely read as we continue to face racism and racially motivated crimes in our country We appreciated looking at this period through the author’s eyes and research. We discussed our perspective on racism as we experienced growing up in different parts of the country. We thought the first chapter was powerful as Jerome was arrested and this scene immediately connected history to the present and helped initiate our discussion. We discussed how people are resistant to change how it is hard to take a stand for what is right, and the barriers that stand in the way of social justice. We discussed the most compelling character in the book, Hilda Lee, and her transformation—she changed significantly when she moved and her relocation altered her values and behaviors. Recommended for those who enjoy well-developed characters, good storytelling, courtroom dramas, and historical fiction set in the late 1960s."
King's Chapel “Our book club found A CALAMITY OF SOULS, set in Virginia in the late 1960s, to be an excellent match. We enjoy historical fiction and are located in the South, which made the book's themes particularly resonant. Our members come from diverse backgrounds, and this sparked rich discussion about racial tensions in the South, both during the 60s and up to the present day. One member, originally from the North, learned a great deal about the Southern experience. We noted many similarities to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and John Grisham’s A Time to Kill.
The author’s note highlights the personal journey and extensive research that went into the book, which was evident in the detailed narrative. Our discussions touched on challenging topics such as racism, women’s rights, classism, and the progress made and yet to be achieved in these areas. We highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction set in the Jim Crow era South.”
Menu: "Southern food—fried chicken, coleslaw, cucumber salad, banana bread, buffalo chicken dip, various desserts."
TBR Book Club, Charlotte, North Carolina; Chapter by Chapter, Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri
THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS by Tracey Garvis Graves (St. Martins Press, 3/24)
A novel about two lost souls finding the unexpected courage to love again.
Chapter by Chapter: “THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS was a good match, and resulted in much discussion! Everyone liked the book's premise: two broken-hearted souls seeking solace outdoors while geocaching. While no members have geocached, several were interested in trying it. We talked about how trauma and PTS can cloud one’s judgment, affect their ability to make rational decisions, communicate with others, and affect their ability to develop healthy relationships. A few members have fostered/adopted children and could relate to Wren’s strong desire to form a connection with Birdie’s half-siblings.
One member raved about the author's novels ON THE ISLAND and A GIRL HE USED TO KNOW, and we have added these selections to our ‘want to read’ list! We were divided on how the plot played out, which led to a great discussion! A light and easy perfectly paced book with well-developed characters.“
Menu: "Skyline Chili—two, three, or four ways! We also had sausage and mushroom pizza (the member who brought it refused to order ham and pineapple on half. As a nod to the multiple breakfast scenes, the dessert was croissant bread pudding topped with maple syrup."
Happy Bookers: “We admired Wren’s resilience and fortitude in putting forth, and staying with, what was best for her and her life, having learned from her past heartaches. Her bravery and strength in forging forward amidst her adversities were hailed as great attributes- could we have done the same in her shoes was a point of discussion. Marshall’s gentleness and understanding while dealing with his own issues and sorrows won us over repeatedly. There is depth to this story and the choices opened up much to discuss. We were familiar with geocaching but did not know much about it. A member provided a cache with the motorcycle that was key in the story. The same member and her family hiked frequently and provided pictures of Crater Lake and many things that were staples within the trail life portrayed in this story. We were rooting for Wren and Marshall. It was heartening to us to see the good in Marshall. THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS reigns high among our top reads for the relationship that unfolds. Recommended for those who enjoy a romantic venture with depth and with a setting and premise to learn much from. A member’s cozy log home by the fireplace was the perfect place to discuss the hiking adventures of these two who tried their hand at geocaching in beautiful areas of the United States."
Menu: “Pizza played a role within the romance—our hostess served pizza and a delicious salad.”
TBR Book Club: “We had a great discussion, including what we would have felt in Wren's circumstance, and when/if we would have done things following her timeline, such as sharing with Marshall about being pregnant or waiting like she did, or visiting her ex’s widow to establish that relationship especially so early. Members held varying perspectives, making the discussion engaging. The read was swift and straightforward, yet it possessed depth."
Lit Ladies, Melbourne, Florida; Tequila Mockingbird, Massapequa Park, New York; Literary Lounge, Clovis, California; Spines & Wines, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
BYE, BABY by Carola T. Lovering (St. Martins Press, 3/24)
A novel about female friendship, a missing baby, and the toxic, secret history between two women.
Thrillers by the Book Club: “Our book club reads thrillers, and, recently delved into BYE, BABY, an engaging read, perfect for our interests. We were hooked by the first chapter involving the main character and a baby. the discussions within our group were rich and varied. Part of our conversation centered on friendship, particularly the complexities of long-standing relationships from childhood. We explored how friendships evolve, sometimes leading to a natural drift apart, yet a lingering sense of care remains. The book led us to reflect on our experiences with seemingly one-sided friendships and how we've navigated them. Billie's intense fixation on Cassie initially struck us as excessive, but as the story unfolded and revealed her past traumas, we understood her motivations better. Our discussions also touched on how these traumas influenced Billie's determination to sustain her friendship with Cassie, despite the latter's manipulative and self-centered nature. Members were eager to recommend the book to others, especially those who enjoy themes including complicated friendships, the use of dual perspectives, and timelines."
Literary Lounge: “So thankful for the opportunity to read BYE, BABY We really enjoyed it, and couldn’t put it down! A perfect match for our book club! We all enjoyed this story of a toxic friendship, the influencer culture, and how it can change people. We appreciated the story's timeline and how it went back and forth between the origin of Cassie and Billie’s friendship to their current status as friends We discussed how ridiculous people can get with influencers and that whole culture. We recommend to those who enjoy books about toxic friendships.”
Spines & Wines: “The short chapters including the dual points of view and timelines, kept us intrigued as the story unravels their friendship throughout the years. The author perfectly depicts events that pulled their friendship apart and revealed the deepest secrets that bonded Cassie and Billie together. We all liked and hated Billie and Cassie at different points throughout the novel. The most interesting topics were the scenario questions that the book prompted. For example, the role of social media, materialism, Grant’s view of his wife’s business, and defining a healthy friendship! We wanted more details to unravel juicier minor storylines. Recommended for those who enjoy stories about toxic friendships, alternating timelines, and suspense novels!"
Lit Ladies Read: "Alternating points of view made this a page-turner. We also loved that social media is a huge part of the story We all enjoyed this easy read that was a thought-provoking look at friendship and motherhood. This book was character-driven, and we had a lengthy discussion about Billie and Cassie. We discussed our initial thoughts of each character and how these thoughts changed as we learned their stories. We agreed that we didn’t like Cassie in the beginning and our dislike of Cassie only grew over time. While with Billie, we grew to like her more as the story progressed. Even though Billie did something terrible, we felt for her and did not want to see her get caught or get in trouble. We appreciated how the ending wrapped up the story We recommend to those who enjoy dramas about friendship."
Sisterhood Book Club, Macon, Georgia; Beth El Synagogue Book Club, Omaha Nebraska; Newly Revisioned Bookclub, St. Albans, Vermont; Key Women Educators, Villages, Florida; Teachers Who Read, Columbus, Ohio
ADAM UNREHEARSED by Don Futterman (Post Hill Press, 11/23)
A coming-of-age comedy set in New York in 1970— a story of friendship, betrayal, life, death, and acting,
Beth El Synagogue: “A Perfect match! We were all impressed by the writing style and content, especially for a debut novel Truly a 5Many of our members grew up in the NYC area and were very family with locations, schools mentioned, and curriculum! We could all relate to the 1970 time frame and recall the events highlighted in the narrative.
The highlight of our discussion was connecting with the author, Don Futterman, by Zoom. He graciously spoke for a long time about the background and content of the book and answered our questions, reminisced about growing up in 1970's NYC and the freedom children experienced then. We discussed his friends, family, synagogue how he decided to move to Israel, and his thoughts on the current situation. It was a fantastic opportunity to read and meet the author. Recommended for those who enjoy a coming of age story and learning about Jewish life in NYC 1970s”
Menu: In honor of Adam's Bar Mitzvah, we served a dessert buffet.
Newly Revisioned: “ADAM UNREHEARSED was a great match for our book club, and provided fodder for great discussion. Members felt the issues rang true for the community and enjoyed exploring them alongside the main character. We all loved that Adam became so immersed in the theater, and appreciated the power it had to help him find his own way, make new friends, and explore his confusing world through a piece of literature. The scenes from DAWN were so vividly described that we could feel the scene unfolding before our very eyes. We also agreed that the development of Adam's character was spot-on. We REALLY liked him— such a big heart!" Recommended for those who enjoy books about young adults with a social message.”
Sisterhood: “We delved into Adam's emotional journey, particularly focusing on his feelings of betrayal when his friends ostracized and bullied him, especially after his attempt to steal comic books resulted in getting caught on his first foray into wrongdoing. We also explored social shifts, such as the changing seating plans for his bar mitzvah, and the ebb and flow of friendships, with old ones dissolving and new ones forming. Through trials, Adam emerged with increased self-esteem and eventually reconciled with his friends, despite the initial confusion and hurt caused by their unexpected hostility.”
Teachers Who Read: “We liked Adam and the 1970s time period. Education was very different at that time and as teachers, we like to compare and contrast! None of us participated in theater growing up so that was fun to read about, along with the educational aspect. We discussed What schools looked like in the '70s and how different it is from the world without cell phones and technology. We all liked it and had many scenes stayed with us. This book has many discussion points as Adam matures in the coming-of-age story so it's perfect for book club! Recommended for those who enjoy books that lead to much discussion and have a main character you are rooting for!”
Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas, and Circle of Readers Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
HENDERSON HOUSE by Caren Simpson McVicker
A boardinghouse tale of sisters, secrets, and later-in-life romance (8/1/23, Inkshares)
Carrollton Book Buddies: "We unanimously loved HENDERSON HOUSE and are anxiously awaiting the sequel!" Our club especially enjoyed the storytelling Caren weaves into the plot and the suspense of family secrets and sister loyalty. One of the threads in the novel is women in the workplace in the early 1940s. We discussed jobs women from past generations have held, from millinery shops in south Texas to restaurants in Germany! We shared our versions of ‘self-talk,’ kitchen ladies from church, the supporting roles of the ‘menfolk’ and their impact on the story, and sister relationships.
Henderson House is a relaxing respite from the busy world we live in. The novel is a flashback to 1940s Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and the simpler life of Wednesday night church suppers, Saturdays at the local cinema, and Sunday walks in the park after church. Based on family history and stories, Caren’s main character, Mildred Henderson, turns her grand home into a boarding house after the unexpected death of her husband. Mrs. H. and her beagle, Louie, captivate readers as she uses her special gifts— sensing houses and seeing a person’s color and an interview checklist to choose her tenants. Frank Davis, a newly hired petroleum engineer at Philips Petroleum, checks all the boxes, changing the lives of the other boarders, the Blackwell family. In a few weeks, readers fall in love with Mrs. H.’s wisdom and Frank’s mild-mannered, genuine interest in the family, but most importantly his attraction to spinster Bessie, and where their friendship might lead. Dinners around the table with boarders recounting the day’s activities, unique recipes shared, and even cooking lessons make food and conversation tantalizing.
We recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction set in mid-20th century America."
Menu: "From the author’s HENDERSON HOUSE Recipe Collection: Appetizers—The Oklahoma Club Special, Edna’s Award-Winning Deviled Eggs, and Corn & Bean Salad with lime dressing."
Main course salads—Waldorf, Cucumber & Tomato, and Chicken
Dessert— Mrs. H’s White Cake Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting. The ‘take-away’ gift—a Boarder Interview Kit: a teapot filled with a stack of homemade almond shortbread cookies and lemon tea."
Circle of Readers: “While we rarely agree on the merits of a book, everyone in the group enjoyed the novel—its characters, family stories, and the Oklahoma setting of HENDERSON HOUSE! We found the family stories engaging, but HENDERSON HOUSE also addresses some tough topics: sexual harassment, women in the workplace, unwed pregnancy, family dynamics, and prejudice against the Cherokees. We also enjoyed discussing the characters themselves and what motivates them., and the opportunity to meet with the author on Zoom, Recommended for those who enjoy family stories, a bit of magic, and charming characters. Thank you for such great opportunities to meet authors and read good books."
Menu: "Everyone enjoyed the tasty Knobby Apple Cake from the author’s website."
Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey; Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Blu Stocking Lit Society, West Allis Wisconsin
ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL by Susan Meissner (Berkley Pub, 2023)
A novel about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter and the terrible injustice that tears them apart.
Blu Stockings Lit Society: “ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL had difficult topics to read about, but the novel provided a deep foundation for discussion.”We were not aware of eugenics in this country continuing into the 1970s. This book was well-researched and provided enough information that you could look further into our country’s history in pursuing and maintaining policies on forced sterilization. The themes of power/weakness, strength, and compliance versus complacency were a focus for our group. We discussed complacency as a weakness of character resulting in compliant behavior—if you don’t speak or act out you could be considered in support. Drawing from a historical perspective at this time in history we are all very complacent and history could easily be repeated. Additional topics of discussion included eugenics today and how decisions are being made regarding genetic technology, gene editing and embryo engineering. Several members in work in health care which also led to talk about inequality in access and information and how that impacts the choices available to individuals. We discussed how many events have occurred over time that one may not be aware of. One of the great benefits of reading is continuing learning for life. We recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction with strong historical components that lead to a robust discussion.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta: “We enjoyed our discussion about this thought-provoking and emotional book.” - We are taken on a journey of family, motherhood, and a fight to keep a child that faces unbearable challenges during this time in history, shifting between California in 1938 at a family-owned vineyard and Europe in 1947.
We enjoy historical fiction when we learn history that none of us were aware of. None of us knew what synesthesia was, and we had heard of eugenics because we read other books that explored this subject. For many, it was difficult to read because of the portrayal of suffering during the war and when people just didn't accept others who were different.
We discussed the options for at women and young girls at this time in history and the ability to make their own choices. That there was so much evil and so few tried to help and do what was right impacted us. We felt the main thread of the book was about family and how the deep desire to find a feeling of home, love, and safety is universal. Everyone felt they learned a lot and was interested in other titles by Susan Meissner."
Menu: "California wine and rich desserts you would find in Vienna. We met at Sparta Classic Diner for dinner and decadent desserts."
Literary Lovelies: ”We all loved ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL. Our book club loves historical fiction and we all enjoyed the multiple storylines."- This story was particularly heartbreaking, especially for the mothers in our group. We have met monthly for over 3 years and this was our first repeat author! We love Susan Meissner and this was our favorite GalleyMatch yet.
We had a good discussion regarding the period, if people would want another mouth to feed coming out of the Great Depression. We also discussed the family dynamics. It was eye-opening that this happened. In our day of a woman’s right to choose, it was devastating to see that these women were sterilized without any say at all or even knowledge of what was happening. Although this was set against the backdrop of World War II it was a very different tale about this period. Meissner has a way of pulling the reader into the characters’ lives, leaving you thinking about them long after the book has been read. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, heavy subjects, and books that take you out of your comfort zone."
Boys Book Club, San Jose California; Between the Lines, Woolwich, New Jersey Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
GENEVA by Richard C. Armitage (Pegasus 10/23)
A bold and unpredictable debut thriller set in Switzerland's biotech world (and deceptive beauty), by acclaimed actor Richard Armitage.
Boys Book Club:“ We enjoyed GENEVA, a page-turner! We found ourselves engrossed in a discussion about the complex themes in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, global intrigue, and the chilling notion of brain implants that seem all too real. These topics and the ethical dilemmas presented in the book sparked an interesting conversation. We enjoyed the characters and the author’s vivid descriptions. Those who listened to the audio version narrated by Richard Armitage, Nicola Walker, and Jane Perry highly recommended it.
Menu: “Cheese fondue, Toblerone chocolate. Two beers: Forgotten Thoughts and Stranger than Fiction"
Reading Between the Wines: “GENEVA was a great match for our book club. We love reading mysteries and thrillers and this fast-paced thriller set in Geneva, Switzerland in the world of biotech research, had some great red herrings to keep us interested and intrigued. We discussed the biotech world and the ethics surrounding new discoveries. We also discussed the dynamics between Sarah and her husband Daniel, and how her career as a Nobel prize-winning scientist affected their relationship We enjoyed discussing GENEVA!. Lots of red herrings and a great twist kept the conversation going!"
Menu: "Chocolate fondue with fruit and cookies, cheese fondue and bread, mulled wine, and Toblerone!"
Between the Lines: "We were wowed that GENEVA is Richard’s debut novel—the last 20 minutes of the book had us on the edge of our seats!”-“We all enjoyed, this fast-paced thriller read. GENEVA dives into Alzheimer’s, family dynamics, and the biotech industry. It was a roller coaster ride. We have family members with medical illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and we’re interested in the biotech part of the story. We loved the ending and couldn’t get over how it unfolded—it was our favorite part. We recommend GENEVA to book clubs that enjoy a heart-pumping, edge-of-your-seat ending. Richard Armitage narrates the male POV, so get the audio and give your ears a true treat."
Menu: "Fondue with Swiss cheese, as book is set in Switzerland"
Romancing the Hearthstone, Rogers Arkansas; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri; Legacy Literary Ladies, The Villages, Florida
STREET CORNER DREAMS by Florence Reiss Kraut (SheWrites, 11/23)
A novel about Golda, who comes to America yearning for independence before World War I, but tosses aside her dreams of freedom and marries her widowed brother-in-law after her sister dies giving birth to their son.
Romancing the Hearthstone: “We all gave STREET CORNER DREAMS five stars!. We adored it. Most members couldn’t put it down and read it in two days. They loved the writing style and commented that the pacing was great for historical fiction— a page-turner. This was a wonderful story told from the perspective of an immigrant. The novel made us feel so grateful for what we have. The discussion centered on how weak Ben was and how strong Goulda and Sarah were. Members were invested in this story and wanted a sequel to know what happens to Morty.”
Legacy Literary Ladies: “Most members enjoyed STREET CORNER DREAMS from the onset, but ended up loving the novel. As the characters developed, the story was very believable, and I hated to see it end, with engaging twists and turns. It is an emotionally charged story that reads easily and is well crafted. A vivid portrayal of the immigrant experience with believable, vivid. characters and an engaging story that we all felt a connection to.
Menu: Potato latkes
Happy Bookers: "STREET CORNER DREAMS was full of historical events, family drama with struggles, perseverance, and romance. The surprises and twists in various storylines kept our discussion going!"-The characters will long live in our reading memories: Golda, Ben, Morty, Anna, Sylvia, Surah, and Esther. The difficulties and struggles of these immigrants as they faced the events of the Great Depression, the Spanish Flu, and World War 1 provide an influx of social history surrounding their lives. It was intriguing to read the family mysteries surrounding those characters, who are working toward their dreams, as they work through their difficulties and challenges. Which loves will prevail amidst the pressures of war, the gangs, and economic factors of the day as they work to make their way in their new land?
We didn’t know much about the gangs of New York. Families and businesses faced many obstacles and were targeted by gang threats of paying protection fees to survive. A main discussion topic was comparing our lives and advantages to the hardships of our nation's newcomers. We wondered if we could withstand the modes of travel, lack of communication and job opportunities, and health crises with limited care with the same fortitude."
Menu: "Anna’s uncle Tony’s deli-inspired bread, salami, and Swiss cheese. We meet on the opening night of the Osage View restaurant overlooking beautiful rolling hills that many immigrants years ago came upon in settling in our county.
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Lit Happens, California, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Missouri
THE FARMER'S WIFE by Helen Rebanks (Harper Horizon, 9/23)
An honest portrait of rural life and an authentic exploration of both the hard work and reward of keeping a home and raising a family.
Ranch Readers: We loved this memoir and felt it was rare in that it was raw and practical. It made us remember our own trials and tribulations of courtship, career choice, having babies, and the hard work of being a mother and supportive wife. Although Helen experienced many changes in lifestyle she ultimately realized being a wife and mother were the most important aspects of her life and those choices made her the happiest. We enjoyed the recipes she so effortlessly executed, and we felt almost like a family member, getting to know the various individuals she wrote about so intimately and from her heart. A few members spoke about the long hours of work and almost constant attention needed to maintain farm animals that farming involves, and how every member of the family has to contribute to maintaining a farm, the loneliness they often experienced by living isolated on a large farm as children, but also the joys of sharing the rebirth every spring of the farm animals' young and planting season being completed. They also remembered the joys of harvest season when other farmers would gather to help each other and then celebrate by sharing a large meal together. We all enjoyed reading about how food and cooking were important to the author and spoke about the recipes we wanted to try as we discussed the book. We also discussed how family farms contribute the most to preserving sustainable practices and how important it is to support farmers, shepherds, and ranchers. The memoir encouraged us to think about writing our own life stories and including favorite family recipes. Recommended for those who enjoy reading honest memoirs, and being a wife and mother.”
Menu: “Helen's Lentil and Tomato Soup before our discussion--it was so delicious!—and her Lemon Drizzle Cake for dessert”
The Revivals: "We enjoy cooking and this book presented a wonderful opportunity for us to share our kitchen prowess by each of us preparing one or two dishes that came together as a shared dinner; family dinners being a priority for Helen. We discussed Helen's unique art and her enjoyment of creating a comfortable family home. We agree with Helen and share her enjoyment of home-cooked meals and family mealtimes. We discussed our own comfort levels with home births and marveled at Helen's thoughtfully made choices with her second child. We cheered for Helen when she perfectly described the many hats a stay-at-home mom wears and the feelings accompanying that life path. While possibly not given enough attention in the book, Helen writes with personal insight on the food choices we all should be paying more attention to and the farmers who provide our life-sustaining food. In clear and concise few short paragraphs, Helen has enlightened us on the importance of sustainable farming systems that encourage ‘good food from good farming.’. We recommend this book to those who enjoy coming of age, home cooking, memoirs, and women's studies. "
Menu: “Members chose and recreated recipes from the book: Smoked salmon rectangles, hummus and pita chips, frittata, field mushroom soup and croutons, easy chocolate cake, and panettone(bread and butter) pudding.”
Get Woke: "A magical evening! In honor of THE FARMER’S WIFE, and farm-to-table eating, we partnered with the Pleasant Grove Pizza- where host Emily creates unique pizzas with local and seasonal food, which enriched our discussion and palate. Rebanks reflects on her life revealing family struggles and relationships, the challenges of motherhood, and the stigma of honoring ‘small domestic things’ She champions the importance of the daily grind of domesticity. Her thoughts are enhanced by sketches, and family recipes are sprinkled throughout the book.
Chapter by Chapter Book Club of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri; Words!Women!Wine! of Brookfield, Wisconsin
THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY by Katherine A. Sherbrooke (Pegasus Books, 4/23)
The story of a runway model in 1940s Hollywood who makes a split-second decision intended to protect those she loves but triggers a cascade of secrets that threatens to upend her daughter’s life decades later.
Chapter by Chapter: "THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY was a great match. We really enjoy historical fiction and several members commented that they enjoyed the glimpse behind the scenes of the fashion industry in Hollywood. We were interested in how their lifestyle judged those involved in fashion and industry. Several members had read THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO and talked about the similarities between the two books. Told from the perspective of mother/daughter protagonists in dual time periods on opposite coasts, this one kept me turning the page late into the night. I didn’t expect to be so absorbed, but I highly recommend this read!"
Menu: "As a nod to Benny’s meatballs, our potluck included meatball pizza. Our drink was Caramel Apple Cider—a nod to the Berkshires, which was referenced in the novel."
Happy Bookers: “From the fabulous cover to the title to the main character’s name, we were intrigued! When we learned that the book was inspired by the author‘s mother, it added even more interest. THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY is a story of secrets, of decisions, and the consequences of those decisions, with surprising twists and entanglements that kept us reading to learn how the mother’s choices impact her daughter’s life. Learning about Hollywood particularly the fashion, and glamour of 1940s Hollywood to 1970s Broadway was fascinating. Our conversation focused on the difficulty of life-altering decisions and their outcomes. We discussed the bonds of the chosen family and the strength of love and loyalty. An interesting point was how the story involved a coming of age for both Aster and her daughter Lissy. Choices involving Lissy’s Broadway and Noah’s music careers gave us much to talk about. And no one saw a big twist coming! I have since listened to several of the author's interviews and love her background story for this book. We look forward to reading more of her books. We recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction about Hollywood, Broadway, and family drama."
Menu: “Our versions of Benny’s homemade meatballs and soup. When served, we commented on how this was the ultimate comfort food for this story.”
Words!Women!Wine!: "We all enjoyed this book and the strong female protagonists and both timeline plots. We had a great discussion with many viewpoints. We discussed Sam and Aster's relationship. Both characters seemed to have conflicting feelings, although the relationship had some redeeming qualities One member noted that Aster had made so many fabrications about her life, it was hard to keep her secrets straight. It was as if the fabrications were woven into her background, much like her early desire to be a fashion designer. Many of us liked that Aster moved from clothing to sculpture and felt that was a well-developed plot line.
We all agreed that the love story of Fernando and Benedict/Christopher was the best in the book. We discussed it must have been for gay celebrities in the 40s & 50s and even still today. We had not heard of the term ' avender scare’ which led us into a discussion of discrimination and profits and politics. It was interesting to us that both females fixated on their one true love - even though initially they both let them go. Many of us thought it was predictable that Christopher/Benny would die after the lead-up to that scene, but we were all shocked in the end that the death had been fake. We had a lot of discussions around the death, funeral, and new stories. Suggested for clubs that enjoy a female-centered novel with a lot of relationships and secrets.
Menu: "Prosecco and shrimp cocktail (very Hollywood) and followed that with a "Tivoli dinner of caesar salad, penne & meatballs. We had an Italian Love cake for dessert! "
St. Louis Lit Book Club, Missouri; Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Angry Book Club, Norwich, Connecticut
THE INTERN by Michele Campbell, (St. Martin’s Press, 10/23)
A young Harvard law student falls under the spell of a charismatic judge in this timely and thrilling novel about class, ambition, family, and murder.
St. Louis Lit Book Club: “As fall nears the perfect book to pick up is a thriller like THE INTERN, which was interesting from the beginning. and the action was not far-fetched, which was nice for a thriller. Having two points of view allowed our book club to choose which characters we liked most and why. There were many characters to keep track of, which added layers to the discussion. Legal thrillers were new to some, and the reaction was positive to receiving a new type of book we may not have otherwise picked. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers, and multi-character stories. and fast-paced mysteries."
Angry Book Club: We enjoyed THE INTERN! We are known for being pretty critical (hence the anger) but this book got thumbs up, and we especially enjoyed the end! This book had me turning pages, especially with the switched perspectives! There was much conversation about Madison’s indecisiveness, which annoyed some members, while others thought it made her more relatable. We also discussed whether Katherine was smart enough to escape her situation without taking the steps she did. Several of us live near, or have spent time in Boston, and really enjoyed the Boston descriptions and mentions of real restaurants and places —the characters actually drink Dunkin, take the T (and get off at real stops), and live in areas of the city that make sense. This led to a great discussion about books that successfully create a sense of place and the joy of reading books about places we have lived. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers.
Melanie's Book Club: "We all loved THE INTERN. It was a great match for our book club because it's rare for us to find a book that we all enjoy and this was that book! We had an excellent discussion about the book, specifically talking about the relationships among the characters in the book- and how they affected their decision-making. Being from the Midwest, we couldn't really relate to the mob connections, but we could relate to family difficulties and making difficult decisions regarding family members We had many discussions about our families and the different relationships, troubles, and decisions. We know each other well, but it was interesting to learn more and refreshing to hear that all families have issues and work through them in different ways. Recommended for those who enjoy conflict, suspense, and deciding how far you'll go to protect your family."
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he Famished for Fiction Book Club of Frisco, Texas, Flagstaff Ladies Book Club, Arizona, Boozy Books Book Club and Kaukauna Wisconsin
YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 5/23)
A YA novel about Harriet Douglass, a teenager living with her historian father on a plantation turned enslaved people's museum, who must handle her feelings of anger when an actress who purchased the plantation next door, plans to turn it into an event venue.
Famished for Fiction: “We loved this multilayered story. The magnitude of all the things affecting Harriet led to a lot of thoughtful discussion. We gave it 5/5 stars!"
The setting of the book reminded us of Whitney Plantation in South Louisiana. We discussed the struggle that exists between the beauty of the plantation homes and grounds the acknowledgment of the horrors of slavery and the pain and suffering of the enslaved people that were forced against their will to build those homes and maintain those grounds. Is it possible to be in awe of those beautiful places and yet heartbroken by the pain that surrounds them?
The importance of seeing both sides of a story and acknowledging them is what leads to improvement in our relationships with people who are different from ourselves. Harriett spent much time caring for herself as her father was unable to do more than the bare minimum after the death of her mother. Harriett's anger with outsiders' inability to see, acknowledge, and respect the purpose of a landmark such as their plantation. We recommend this book to those who enjoy thought-provoking reads that have a different perspective from the 'norm. We are a diverse group of women who enjoy thought-provoking books that enhance our discussion and this was a great fit."
Menu: Down South Kitchen and Bakery for Southern food
Boozy Books: "Thank you for the match! We might not have read YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY otherwise. When a book makes you cry it’s automatically a great book .We liked the mix of the main character's naïveté and cynicism as the book progresses. We discussed toxic parenting and our perceptions of the adults, the character’s adjustments as they navigate issues, our appreciation of having a flawed main character, and the grace given to Layla but not the white friends she grew up with. We were interested in the 17-year-old perspective—and all the current social issues and cultural references, such as TikTok. 'What’s up with teen/middle school boys and frogs' stood out as an amusement.
We recommend this novel to clubs who enjoy contemporary social issue books, or DEAR MARTIN or THE HATE YOU GIVE.”
Flagstaff Ladies: “We all enjoyed this novel, which spurred much discussion about the South (none of us grew up there), plantations, tourist rentals, grief, and growing up a person of color in today's America. We also liked the main character because Harriet is such a teenager —more than half of us are moms of girls).
We live in a tourist town, so though the housing isn't all historic, there are wealthy outsiders who have second homes here, so the way Harriet bristles at the new neighbors resonated. The way she also kind of liked the new girl and determined she was human was also something a few of us could identify with. And her anger issues...not unfamiliar! It was a great trait to give Harriet, and we talked a bit about our own struggles with rage, as well as dealing with others who have trouble controlling theirs.
We have a significant Native-American presence in our city, so that is where we see discrimination, disrespect, and racism crop up, and we had a great discussion about how as women, we also see (and experience) these micro- or upfront- aggressions more readily than our male partners. We also discussed being in a bit of a bubble because it is a small city, and there are no obvious monuments to discrimination that we would drive by all the time (on the nearby reservation, yes). The discussion about grief was also interesting -- how do you remember your loved ones? Do you remember their last days or the rest of their lives? We had a debate about Dawn and what we would have thought about our daughters dating him, or a friend dating their childhood buddy. We liked him but realized we would have been protective of Harriet because she was not very savvy about relationships. We thought the story was well-written and it was nice that it didn't end with everything neatly resolved -- that was realistic. Recommended for those who enjoy novels about young adults, the South, and that discuss racism."
Menu: "One of our group stopped at fast food on the way to book club. Shout out to Harriet's dad!"
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he Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Woodlands Lunch and Books, Woodlands, Texas Get Woke, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado "
CHASING THE PANTHER: Adventures and Misadventures of a Cinematic Life Carolyn Pfeiffer with Gregory Collins (Harper Horizon, 6/23)
Film producer and early Hollywood female coming-of-age memoir, set against the backdrop of Fellini's Rome, French New Wave Paris, and Swinging London.
Get Woke: "CHASING THE PANTHER reads like a novel: encounters with the rich and famous; travels to exotic cities and countries, experiences, and success as a pioneering film producer and PR representative. We called Pfeiffer the ‘female Forrest Gump’'–Readers travel on a high-speed train rocketing through Pfeiffer’s coming-of-age adventures as she explores NYC and Europe during the turbulent 1960s-‘70s amidst the significant cultural shifts and the ascendance of the film industry. Pfeiffer vividly describes the art, culture, and society of post-war Europe and New York City. Her insights into the actors and film industry were fascinating. The film industry's growth is part of a larger story involving changing attitudes and paradigm shifts of the post-war years, a time when many of us also came of age. The introduction of the birth control pill and Pfeiffer’s romantic encounters mirrored the cultural changes. Book club invitations featured film strips. members were asked to become film directors: and select highlights from the book for a film preview. We discussed the changing role of women and Pfeiffer’s lifetime goal of ‘pushing boundaries’. She felt you had to ‘leave yourself behind’ to discover uniqueness. We were drawn to her comments on women’s status: the expectation that a woman’s role was to be worthy of a man. Her reply resonated: ‘Let no one ever call me worthy.’ Pfeiffer challenged the attitudes of patriarchy, the power of men, and the sensuality of women. Her adventures allowed us to experience the paradigm shifts occurring in the world—positive and negative We agreed her talents, opportunities, and personality allowed her to take advantage of this era, and the difficulty of duplicating this experience today."
Menu: "Honoring her European adventures: Caprese skewers, olives, goat cheese & figs, Pinot Grigio."
The Revivals: “CHASING THE PANTHER covers so many points of interest that it was easy for us to chat all the way through dessert!" We took turns reading and discussing Carolyn's numerous life reflections and insights - we highlighted dozens of quotes. We marveled at Carolyn's remarkable and brave life as she fearlessly pursued her goals. It felt like two books in one: Carolyn's honest and heartfelt observations about her experiences, and a comprehensive cinematic timeline from Europe to the United States. We focused on the former, but scholars will find a valuable resource in the cinematic narrative. As Pfeiffer discussed celebrities, producers, and directors— at times this overwhelmed us, but we are not familiar with the industry and these details were a first exposure. We enjoyed Carolyn's numerous life reflections. GalleyMatch has inspired us to read books we would not have known about and/or genres we would not have selected on our own."
Menu: "Lunch overlooking the lake with multicultural appetizers: Baba ganoush with toasted pita bread (a nod to Omar Sharif); Beet and goat cheese dip with assorted fresh vegetables (Market Fresh Vegetables like one would shop for in France), Avocado chicken salad with jicama and peperoncini peppers on a bed of lettuce with French baguette (A nod to Italy) Dessert:-Lemon buttermilk ice cream with black currant jam and sugar cone."
Woodlands Lunch and Books: "A good match for It is interesting to read about lives so different from our own and we enjoyed this coming-of-age story. In a world of cinematic greats, it was fun to read some of the portrayals from Carolyn’s perspective. A member commented that reading the book made them want to see Doctor Zhivago and another mentioned that they loved Omar Sharif even more after reading the book. There was a discussion of a disturbing scene in the book and many were disappointed at the actor involved. We also enjoyed the descriptions of some of the locales throughout Europe that we knew. As Carolyn discovered herself through the many ups and downs of her early life, it was fascinating to watch her independence shine, especially with Suso d’Amico supporting her career choices. A few members were unfamiliar with numerous names and had to search online for them. Those that enjoy biographies and memoirs, especially of old Hollywood would enjoy this book."
Ranch Readers: "We recall the 1950s and '60s and thoroughly enjoyed CHASING THE PANTHER—the people, films, and occasions were familiar to us, making it a delightful read.
We found Ms. Pfeiffer's memoir exceptionally captivating and thought-provoking. It provided a glimpse into the golden era of cinema behind the scenes. We sympathized with her misfortunes and rejoiced in her successes as a self-sufficient and accomplished woman. We remember the movie era when Carolyn began her career and those she met and interacted with throughout. Although it seemed she lived a fairy tale life, Carolyn faced traumatic events she recounted with candor. Her strength and determination allowed her to overcome adversity and lead a fulfilling artistic life. Her memoir offers a glimpse into the world of fame and fortune in the film industry and a raw, honest portrayal of her struggles and triumphs.
The images added to our enjoyment—several members remembered having photos of Omar Sharif on their bedroom walls as teenagers. We discussed our recollections of the era that Carolyn described, including the films, directors, and producers she mentioned. Despite the notable progress made in women's rights, we realized many obstacles Carolyn faced still endure. The consensus was that success in the film industry depends on connections, and we were impressed by her ability to form relationships with influential figures, and that she was able to rise above her tragedies with grace and not let them deter her from living her best life. Recommended for readers who enjoy a memoir full of experiences more interesting than fiction and film history."
Menu: "Italian cookies that were a tribute to Carolyn's adventures in Italy."
Junior League Book Club of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Spectacles Book Club, Geneva, Ohio, and Hagerstown Housewives, Hagerstown, Maryland
NO TWO PERSONS by Erica Bauermeister (St. Martin's Press, 5/2/23)
A novel about the ways in which one book transforms its readers' lives.
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “Every member loved NO TWO PERSONS, the first book in a long time that we overwhelmingly agreed that we loved.T his book is about a book and the reactions and experiences of nine people who encounter it. Even those that couldn’t attend our discussion were texting with their input— the consensus—this book is a home run. We had a great discussion centered around the first line of the fictional book ‘Wandering is a gift given only to the lost,’ and the idea that no two people ever experience anything exactly the same way.
We discussed the way each character responded to the book and why we felt they were so drawn to it. We loved the little Easter Eggs of how characters were connected and agreed that the widower's story was one of our favorites/most heartbreaking. We loved how the story of each character seemed like it could be a stand-alone short story.
“We were surprised that our entire book club loved the book— we tend to be very opinionated and are almost always split on our reading selections. And that we all loved it was much more interesting, as the theme is about how people experience books differently. Just Ike the characters in the book, we had different experiences and reactions while reading it, but in the end, we were all drawn to it for many of the same reasons. Every last one of us recommends NO TWO PERSONS, especially for those who enjoy short stories, unique characters, and lively discussion."
Spectacles: "We agreed that NO TWO PERSONS was a perfect match for our group. What a thought-provoking book. Each book club member’s favorite parts, thoughts, characters, and quotes began a lively conversation about the value and power of words. The individual stories demonstrated how one book can affect readers in amazing and unexpected ways. It was interesting to read how one book connected all the characters.
We loved all of the characters and their stories, and everyone in our book club had a favorite. As teachers, many of us connected with Nola—a character we could easily relate to—and we thought William and Abigail's story was heartbreaking. We learned through Alice's story that in many ways, a writer's own life experiences affect what is written.We explored the character in each story and saw how the stories were connected. We discussed how parts of Alice's book were found in each chapter. It was interesting to see how and when we were able to put the bits and pieces together to tell Theo's story. As the chapters progressed, we were able to see the impact that the book had on each person and how they moved on. This book reminded us that no two persons interpret the same book in the same way and interpretations that we share depend on where we are at a certain time. In addition to the written stories, we loved how the cover depicted the nine readers!
We shared some of our favorite quotes for discussion, such as ‘The beauty of books—they take you places you didn't know you needed to go.’
Menu: "Foods connected to stories: Ramen noodle salad, granola bars (Nola). PBJ sliders and potato chips (Alice and Peter), banana muffins (William)"
Hagerstown Housewives: “We all enjoyed NO TWO PERSONS. Erica Bauermeister's writing was loved by all. We loved the premise that one story can affect people differently. Some of the most interesting topics were the different chapters that each individual person in my book club liked and their reasons why. We discussed the different stories that resonated. Since we are all book lovers in our book club, we connected to the story of each of the 9 persons who read about Theo. We all had a soft spot for the book and its many characters. We recommend for those who enjoy relatable stories that connect people in inspiring ways.”
Famished for Fiction, Frisco, Texas; Lit Ladies, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Between the Pages, Mt. Morris, New York
BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN by Diane Chamberlain( St. Martins Press, 2020)
A novel of chilling intrigue, a decades-old disappearance, and a woman’s quest for the truth.
Famished for Fiction: We highly recommend BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN, which will remain with us for a long time. The contrasting timelines of the 1940s and the present day, as well as the varying perspectives, made for a captivating read." -
"Chamberlain's writing was impressive, and she has now become one of our favorite authors. Our club enjoyed this intricately crafted book and appreciated the diversity of opinions from our multi-racial group. We learned about the WPA project and the historical setting of Edenton, North Carolina, which we found fascinating. During our discussions, we explored the complex relationships between characters, such as Jesse and Anna, Morgan and Oliver. We delved into the secrets that Nellie kept, and the burden of family responsibility. The ending kept us guessing, and the short chapters made it easy to follow the multiple storylines. Most members gave this novel a 5/5 rating.”
Lit Ladies: "We all enjoyed this novel and it inspired great discussion—success! We discussed the dual timelines, the connections between the protagonists, the art restoration process and research, the epilogue ending, and various aberrations/additions in the mural that Anna added. Members commented that they ‘binged it,’ ‘loved it, ‘couldn’t put it down,’ and “read 250 pages at once.' We recommend to clubs that enjoy historical thrillers and mysteries."
Between the Pages: “Thank you for this read! Hot discussion topics were the dual storyline, life in prison, the big reveal, and small-town life. We live in a small area, so that was discussed at length. We recommend for those clubs that enjoy Intertwined storylines and thrills."
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal, and Reckless Readers, Eastford, Connecticut
THE SOULMATE by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 4/23)
A thriller about marriage, betrayal, and the secrets that push us to the edge,
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal: "We loved THE SOULMATE!, a perfect match for our book club. Most agreed that this one is one of our favorite Sally Hepworth We’re huge fans of hers. Half of our book club met Sally in person during her book tour at Zibby's Bookshop— fantastic!
"We discussed the dynamics between the two couples and which one was the true soulmate. We appreciated how the author added important topics such as mental health, adoption, and addiction. The characters were intriguing and the level of suspense had us on the edge of our seats. We loved having the perspective of Amanda which gave us a great insight into details about the characters’ relationships.
We enjoyed talking about Gabe’s transformation from the beginning of the story, when we all thought he was a wonderful human being, to the end, where many details about his character are revealed. The discussion questions provided an excellent guide for our chat. We recommend THE SOULMATE to book clubs that enjoy reading suspenseful family dramas with an atmospheric setting."
Reckless Readers: Normally we discuss the book for a little while, and then jump to other topics. Not last night! There was too much to discuss after reading THE SOULMATE —everyone loved the book and the twists! This book was such a conversation starter! Sally Hepworth is so good at working mental health into her books. Hepworth nailed the portrayal of mental illness as well as codependency— the character Gabe was hard to read, because of how accurately she depicted his illness. Members wanted to break down the relationship between Pippa and Gave, and how forgiving Pippa was when most people would walk. It was an emotional conversation, with so many personal perspectives and stories.
Most members had never read a Sally Hepworth book. After last night, everyone added her books to their TBR lists. I’ve been reading her for years, and was happy to see they felt the same way about her books! Sally is an excellent storyteller. Thank you so much for the excellent #GalleyMatch.
Menu: "Soulmate bars—peanut butter & jelly—the ultimate soulmate of food! And “The Drop Martini” —a cranberry lemon drop martini, that will send you over the edge after only a few! "
THE STORIES WE TELL: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by Joanna Gaines (Harper Select . 11/8/22)
The first solo memoir from the Magnolia co-founder.
We met at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Shops at Creekside in Frisco, Texas, a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Gaines' own design style, making it the perfect location for our discussion."
Get Lit: "We’re all fans of Chip and Joanna’s and enjoyed learning more about her. Chip is so funny and Joanna always appears to be calm, so it was interesting learning about her childhood and the difficulties she faced.
Jensen Beach County Club's Womens Book Club of Florida, The Wine Club With a Book Problem of Acworth, Georgia, and Blu Stocking Literary Society of West Allis, Wisconsin
THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS by M.J. Rose (Blue Box, 2/23)
A tale of two passionate women— a famous jewelry designer who fights to protect her company and rescue the man she loves, and an auctioneer whose gifts reveal a secret that endangers her very life,
Jensen Beach County Club: “We loved the descriptions of the jewelry that Suzanne Belperron made and the majority of us had researched Suzanne's designs after reading the book.A good match for our book club. We enjoy historical fiction or books with strong women. This novel features a dual timeline— France, 1942, and New York, 1986. Suzanne is a sought-after jewelry designer in France and her longtime lover and business partner, Bernard has been arrested by the Nazis. Violine is an appraiser for an auction company in 1986 and has been approached by Paul Osgood about selling family antiques. While visiting his home, she discovers a hidden compartment in a vintage Louis Vuitton case containing WWII-era jewelry. Violine is gifted with learning the history and secrets of objects she touches, and their owners and realizes that the jewelry has a long and tragic history. Violine and Paul work together to discover the history of the case and the jewelry. We discussed how Dixie and Suzanne demonstrated this in their work for the resistance movement."
Menu: "French rose wine, croissants, olives, brie, baguettes with French butter, chocolate mousse, cheesecake, dark chocolate squares, and cappuccino."
The Wine Club With a Book Problem "THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS is a captivating and powerful story that grabs you from the first page— a good match for as we like historical fiction with strong women. We enjoy books in which we learn something new, and the story prompts us further investigate a topic—in this case, Suzanne Belperron, one of the most innovative jewelers of her time, and her jewelry designs. This intriguing story explored Suzanne Belperron's courage and those who participated in the French Resistance by helping Jewish families leave France. We liked the novel's alternating dual timelines—Paris 1942 and New York 1986—which link Suzanne and Violine, an art historian/appraiser with a supernatural gift. We noted that this is the first book we've read that involves psychometry.”
Rose has written a beautiful and descriptive story. We recommend this book to those that enjoy magical realism, suspense, and World War II fiction."
Menu: "Brie, apples, Classic French Salad (romaine, tarragon, chives, walnuts with a lemon vinaigrette, Ina Garten's Bouef Bourguignon, Mashed Potatoes, macarons. truffles."
Blu Stocking: An excellent selection for our club. This story was fascinating and the psychometry was an interesting twist. We enjoy reading about real people in history within a historical fiction context. While the characters are placed in a fictional story, there is much to take away. Several of us did some research on Suzanne Belperron and her jewelry designs. We also like the alternating timeline. robust discussion. We discussed psychometry's 'unbelievable' aspect juxtapositioned with an equally 'unbelievable' period of history as the holocaust. Also, we talked about the courage and actions of people in this world that are so brave and committed even in the face of personal danger, as well as the variety of themes—determination, strength of character, hope, faith, and love in all its incarnations, lovers (Suzanne/Bernard/Jean), friends (Suzanne & Dixie) and love of country/places (France)”
Curious Book Club, Frederick, Maryland; St. Louis Women’s Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; First Saturday Book Club, Pensacola, Florida
PRACTICE GIRL by Estelle Laure (Penguin Teen, 5/22)
A novel about a girl who rejects her label and decides for herself who she is to the world—about reputation and double standards,
Menu: We met at a diner because there was a diner in the story!
First Saturday Book Club: "We had a great discussion about PRACTICE GIRLan honest, moving YA read that should be in the hands of more teens. PRACTICE GIRL offers a strong look at what it means to participate in a relationship and the need for teens to understand the ramifications of sex and responsibility and dedication to relationships. The author writes with emotional depth—we feel everything Jo goes through, and we root for Jo to win at wrestling and life. It’s clever, charming, and poignant.
We discussed teenage behaviors: that Jo was not responsible for Sam kissing her yet she is blamed, how girls need to have girl relationships so they have support, the importance of family, taking others into consideration while establishing boundaries, and understanding the relationship before sex. Also, that growing up and having friendships change is difficult but a part of growing up. We all enjoyed this coming-of-age novel, recommended for this for groups that enjoy YA lit with emotional depth."
Happy Bookers, Linn Missouri, Lit Ladies Read Melbourne, Florida, and St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; and Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
WEYWARD by Emila Hart (St. Martin's Press, 3/23)
A novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world
Happy Bookers: “A gem of a book with resilient female characters is our favorite GalleyMatch to date.”- on a novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world, read with galleys from
“Hart has given us much to ponder in a most bewitching tale. Altha, Violet, and Kate will long stay with us for their resilience and fortitude. We agreed that witchcraft isn’t accomplished through spells, but by their connection to the world around them -— and that was most appreciated and enjoyed. We cheered at the comeuppance of the perpetrators who caused harm both physical and mental to the female characters. We discussed the plight and strength of women over the ages dealing with similar treatment. The three women characters were enthralling. The author wove the three timelines of the Weyward women’s lives together expertly. Their plight, resourcefulness, and special powers along with their ties to nature and their strength to survive amidst adversity and ill-treatment earn these characters a place in your heart. The short chapters breeze along while keeping the depth of the characters and story strong. Highly recommended by our group to fellow readers. The perfect fall read. The perfect anytime read! Cannot wait to read more from this author.”
Menu: Orton stew (chicken and rice soup) W pendant cakes(cupcakes), Witches sticks and twigs (fried tortilla strips), Cottage dip (cowboy caviar), Crow Bars (brownie bites), Insect Wings(corn chips), Graham Crackers(saltines and wheat thins), and Morgs(moon drop grapes)in a member’s backyard and woods for our book reenactments."
Lit Ladies Read:“ We loved everything about this book! This is a very compelling read that highlights the connection between women, family, and nature."
WEYWARD is a beautifully written story about the strength and resilience of three different women. The story is told in alternating timelines, in different centuries leaving the reader to wonder how these women are related. The Weyward women all face similar, yet different, hardships of violence, abuse, and expectations of society that they must overcome. The women all have a very strong connection to nature and find strength and inner peace through this connection. The alternating timelines advance the story and keep you wanting more. The descriptive language paints a clear picture, and we loved the alternating timelines—each character's story was compelling and gave a feel for what these women had to endure. We spent quite a bit of time discussing the treatment of women who were deemed ’weird’ throughout history. It is frightening to think that there was a period in history when women could be labeled witches and executed based on nothing more than conjecture and failure to conform to societal expectations. Altha's storyline, in particular really highlighted how ludicrous the idea of witchcraft really is and how scared people were of anyone who was different. Another hot topic was domestic abuse and how difficult it can be for abused women to escape their abuser. Both Kate's and Violet's stories dealt with physical and sexual abuse that required both 
women to find the strength to remove themselves from their situations. We recommend for those who enjoy stories about women finding their inner strength to overcome hardship.”
Menu: Witching Hour Cabernet Sauvignon and witch hat cupcakes.
St. Louis: "WEYWARD was intense, honest and deeply connected to today’s time The three timelines and main character add layers of interconnected themes and details. At first glance, these are very different women but ultimately all face similar situations. We discussed feminism and the growth of women throughout time, how the patriarchy impacts women’s abilities to make choices, and Nature vs nurture—these women all were born to be Weyward, not raised to be Weyward.
Recommended for those who enjoyed THE LOST APOTHECARY by Sarah Penner; three perspectives or time periods in stories; the power of nature; books about powerful women and the ability to be strong despite the circumstances and external environment. This book has some trigger warnings that I think all readers need to be extremely mindful of before reading (physical/verbal abuse, parental abuse, rape, pregnancy loss, abortion, jail).
Reading Between the Wines: “This book was a perfect match for our club. We all enjoyed this story of three women from the same family line at different points in time. There was so much to discuss here: our connection to the natural world, overcoming trauma, giving yourself grace, and the strength and resilience of women, feminism, women’s connection to the natural world, family legacies, and overcoming trauma We thought the author did a great job incorporating the interconnected stories of Althea, Violet, and Kate. Recommended to book clubs that enjoy women’s fiction, historical fiction with dual timelines, and a touch of magical realism.
Menu: "Food to honor the garden at Weyward cottage, including veggie crackers with garden vegetables, and basil cheese, roasted vegetable pizza, and fresh veggies with hummus. We also had blueberry scones with jam and tea and biscuits as a nod to the English settings in the book."
Longwood Ladies, Goshen, Kentucky and Colonies Book Club, Yorkville, Illinois
ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE by Noelle Salazar ( Mira,/ HTP, 11/22)
A story inspired by true events, about courageous women who risked everything for their country, family, and each other
Longwood Ladies: “ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE was a great book club book.We all loved learning about a neutral country. It was a new take on that era that we all really enjoyed! We discussed how much we learned about the World War II era, We talked a lot about and enjoyed the fact that it shined the light on a true sister act. It was the first historical fiction I’ve read that took place in the Netherlands during World War II. It was a refreshing change to hear the trials from a neutral neighbor. The characters were easy to relate to and love and my heart was wrenched by their bravery and struggles. We fell in love with the characters —they were strong, intelligent, patient women right from the start and their growth and determination were astounding. We recommend ANGELS to those who enjoy historical fiction and reading about strong women! If you enjoyed THE LILAC GIRLS, ROSE CODE, or Salazar’s first book, FLIGHT GIRLS, you will enjoy this historical fiction. We all thank you immensely!”
Colonies Book Club: "Some members were in tears throughout this beautifully told story of two young sisters who risk everything for their homeland during World War II. Our members loved this book. Some comments: A heart-wrenching read that is full of tenderness, resilience, courage, brutality, and devotion. The author did a great job of opening our eyes to the hardships of living through Nazi occupation Salazar demonstrated how strong the bonds of sisters, family, and friends are in a powerful way. This story is told from the perspective of a young teenage girl and how innocence is lost through the actions necessary to fight the evil that ripped her country apart. We were unfamiliar with the occupation of the Netherlands and learned about their struggle with starvation and freezing during the last years of the war. We couldn’t imagine girls getting involved with the resistance and what they were willing to do for their country. We all felt the guilt that Lien carried throughout her life over her little sister's death and the catalyst that was for her to join the resistance. We loved the epilogue and the closure it gave us about all of the character
Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut: CT Lit Club, Milford, ConnecticutTHE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins(St. Martin's Press, 1/23)
A gothic suspense novel set at an Italian villa with a dark history.
Literary Lovelies:" We all loved the book! This book has books within the book!”-“We discussed both storylines and if we found ourselves drawn to one story or the other. Susan loved the dual timelines and thought the Mari storyline felt like a movie! We also discussed whether we saw that Mark and Chess were together. A lot of people had thoughts on Chess! We decided she was either a Love or hate character. We also discussed if you have to like the characters to like a book. Chelsey thought the book reminded her of Rachel’s other books and talked about her distinct writing style. We loved how easy it was to read, and enjoyed the epistolary chapters that enhanced the story. We felt the book wrapped up a little quickly and we wished that Emily had stood up for herself a little more! But the Italy location was a favorite of ours as well as the slight gothic style of the Mari plot line. We recommend THE VILLA to clubs that enjoy dual timelines in beautiful settings! Thank you so much for this opportunity!"
Menu: "We meet virtually, but enjoyed some limoncello while reading the book! Emily and Chess are a little over-served on limoncello their first night in Italy."
CT Lit Book Club: This book had us in a heated discussion about what we would do if we were in the main character’s situation. We found ourselves in a coffee shop yelling about dead husbands and realized we probably should put our books on the tabble so other patrons see we are actually discussing a book!!
“We were excited to preview a Rachel Hawkins title! The majority of us have read THE WIFE UPSTAIRS and RECKLESS GIRLS, along with some of her Erin Sterling books.
We had high expectations for THE VILLA, as it is highly anticipated by the bookstagram community. Overall, we expected it to be more ‘thrilling’, but we enjoyed it and were enthralled wondering what was going to end up happening and how the two stories of what took place at the villa were going to bridge together. One member described her reading experience as the story ‘always having an air of suspicion to keep her intrigued.’ We really loved the setting of the villa in Italy and loved the throwbacks to the 70s! We recommend this book to those that enjoy drama, and books like BIG LITTLE LIES.’
Reckless Readers: "Everyone loved the book, rating it Hawkins’s best yet!"- “This is our second GalleyMatch for a Rachel Hawkins book, and we were very excited! Most members read THE VILLA in two sittings We could not wait to rant about the characters we hated, dissect the twists, and gush over the amazing setting. There was a lot of early chatter in the week before our meeting — those that finished it early could not wait to have our discussion.
The level of betrayal among friends was the biggest discussion. We loved the setting, the dual timelines, and the parallels between them. The twists were nonstop and unexpected, which kept us page-turning. The dual timelines made the story. Going from Emily & Chess presently staying at the Villa, to Mari in 1974, the reader gets the full picture of what really happened at The Villa Aestas. Both stories have parallels that are frightening. It seems that you can’t stay at the Villa without it taking someone from you. There are love triangles, friendship deceits, thrilling reveals, and murder to fit everyone’s appetite. It’s dark and atmospheric in ways we have never seen from Rachel Hawkins. She packed so many surprises into this book, but the last chapter is the biggest. There was a hot debate among the group on whether that last chapter was even necessary. How many twists are too many? We recommend if you enjoy big twisty thrillers that grip you until the end —add it to your preorder list! It's out in January, and will be on everyone’s hot list for 2023!"
Menu: “Italian lemon theme to match book: lemon basil pasta salad, lemon ricotta hot cheese dip, limoncello cocktails.”
Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Riverside Readers, Plain City, Ohio; Amy's Book Club, Boulder Colorado
A LIGHT IN THE FOREST by Melissa Payne (Lake Union, 2022)
An emotional and suspenseful novel about the weight of secrets and the healing power of friends and family.
Riverside Readers: “We loved the Ohio setting and although Crystal was a made-up town, we have been to similar small towns and could picture the intent while we read. We appreciated the fun and quirky characters with a hint of underlying mystery in the book. don't know. We discussed the small town, the stereotypes, and the reality, not all small towns in Ohio are like that but we knew why the author picked to use the stereotypical poor/mining town in Appalachia. The timelines coordinated well together with the flashbacks. The characters of the small town were unique and we liked how they interacted with each other—they balanced the trauma. The reader's guide for this book was great. Thank you! We love being introduced to new authors and this time it helped build a new small community of readers, as this is a new book club."
We discussed which of the lovable/heroic characters we enjoyed the most and whether Vega was a hero or a victim;, the pacing of how quickly Vega developed community in Crystal, secrets and why they should be kept or told; our reactions to Vega checking Instagram and our internal screamings at her of what we wanted her to do, the town's support of Eve, and what would happen next for all of them. We recommend A LIGHT IN THE FOREST to book clubs that enjoy complicated relationships and a multi-decade mystery to unravel." Melanie’s Book Club:" We loved the opportunity to preview A LIGHT IN THE FOREST. We are reading another Melissa Payne book this month, as a result! Everyone had positive comments and the book made for great conversation. One member who is stingy with book ratings gave our selection 5 stars. This is a thoughtful, well-written book that discusses real-life issues with great character development. A main discussion point was the different social issues addressed in the book and that the author didn't 'preach' about them. Our group has many teachers and nurses in it and this made an impact on us, especially since we see these issues in the lives of our students and patients. We appreciated the character development and that through the different points of view, we were able to put pieces of the puzzle together before Vega did, yet it didn’t take away from the mystery. This book is a must-read! We look forward to seeing if her other books have a similar writing style and theme."
Madame Woods Book Club of Wiscasset, Maine, and Book Club Girls of Sparta, New JerseyTHE WAYS WE HIDE, by Kristina McMorris (Sourcebooks, 2022)
We discuss the intricacies of the story and how relatable the main character was. McMorris thoughtfully and seamlessly transitions from a story of romance, into a detail-oriented spy novel, and keeps the reader o n the edge of their seat in anticipation of what direction the story and characters would go next. She challenges the reader to keep up with current and past storylines, all while inserting historical events, distracting the reader - they are well intertwined into the characters' lives and the book’s storylines. THE WAYS WE HIDE offers a variety of themes that would appeal to a large readership. So many beautiful moments, even in the last chapters of the book, that offer a sweet and real conclusion.”Book Club Girls of Sparta: "We enjoyed reading about a part of history we did not know of.Most of us were unaware of the Dutch involvement in the resistance or hadn't heard of this chapter of history where women recruited into the resistance worked on inventing escape aids that were hidden in things like games, and the hiding of clues and maps in ordinary objects was interesting to learn about. The resounding takeaway was the fact that so many people risked everything to help the resistance, to help other humans stay safe. Many questioned whether they would be as brave, especially being a woman. We found the most connecting part of the story was Fennas; bravery, and fearlessness even though she had deep trauma from the fire. We recommend THE WAYS WE HIDE to groups interested in historical fiction about new pieces of World War III history and strong female protagonists."Menu: Tea and speculoos cookies.
Brunch & Books Club, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Literary Fires Everywhere, Cortland Manor, New YorkTHE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center, (St. Martin's Press, 7/22)
A romantic and humorous romance about a bodyguard, and the movie star she's hired to protect, as they work to keep things professional under crazy circumstances
Brunch & Books: “We discussed the main character’s growth. Everyone enjoyed the love story, but seeing how the character grew into herself from start to finish was what really stood out. She gained confidence and self-respect that she didn’t have at the beginning and that really resonated with members. The discussion questions prompted a good conversation that brought to mind parts of the story we might not have discussed.
I Ioved this fun and funny book with every piece of my heart. It was my first Katherine Center novel and it felt as if I was sitting with a BFF listening to her tell e this hilarious and heartwarming story. 10/10! The Author’s Note alone is worth 5 stars. Don’t skip it! Recommended for those who enjoy funny, happy love stories! We’re so appreciative of the opportunity! “
Literary Fires Everywhere: "We all enjoyed this book. I am definitely not a regular rom-com reader— I usually find myself rolling my eyes at plots that make others swoon— but I really did love this book. It’s super cute, engaging, and the characters feel real. Even the setting popped right off the page! Definitely recommend grabbing this one!
Hannah has been hired to be a bodyguard to Jack, a Hollywood burnout who would prefer not to have a bodyguard. The pair have palpable chemistry, and I quickly found myself rooting for them. We are not huge romance readers and we’re all pleasantly surprised that it was both fluffy and deep, a un reads with a bit of drama. We all loved the touches and the author’s descriptions. (The Bush steak knives)."
Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; and Bookish Ladies, Coto de Caza, CaliforniaHESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese (St. Martin's Press, 10/4/22)
A vivid reimagining of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne, the tragic heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and a journey into the enduring legacy of New England's witchcraft trials.Get Woke: "HESTER’s message empowered us! As Laurie Lico Albanese writes, Hester Prynne is ‘a heroic woman who defies powerful men and vengeful villagers by wearing the symbol of her shame like a badge of courage.’ Heroic women! May we be them and may we raise them!”A major symbol, incorporating the books' themes, was Isobel's sewing skill and her ability to design and stitch beautiful patterns and scenes that revealed emotions and contained hidden messages.
Each member of the book club was asked to bring a bottle of wine (or another beverage of choice), containing a label that could reflect a 'hidden' message or theme of the story. Our discussion involved each of the members presenting her wine and describing the label, revealing aspects of the novel. These included PROPHECY WINES— The label’s images relate to the supernatural world, and scenes with shooting stars. Isobel struggles to accept her power, and the woman on the label exhibits power.*TEMPTATION AND EVE—Depicts Eve tempting Adam. Isobel’s community shuns her as a witch when she becomes pregnant. EVE elicited discussion on the Bible story – Isobel notes its message about untrustworthy women. GNARLY HEAD WINES—summarizes many characters' mental states: Hawthorne struggles with his family history of witch trials. Isobel struggles with her artistic creations and powers. *KALEIDOSCOPE:— Isabel’s gift enables her to create beautiful designs and messages on clothing and understand others’ emotions. WITCHING HOUR: summarized the novel’s mystery, fantasy, excitement, and passion.
Menu: A ‘community rice bowl’ is symbolic of the support and encouragement women shared in the novel. Member brought ingredients. Along with the theme of wine, dessert bars were labeled ‘Primitive Nuts’: many characters reflect this title!
We also shared a representation of each member’s name created by a woman with synesthesia.”We thought character of 'Hathorne' -- what the author calls Hawthorne-- could have been developed a bit further as he seemed shallow and his treatment of Isobel seemed dismissive. The social issues of the time were well highlighted by the author with a concurrent story of the Witch Trials in Salem, the plight of fleeing saves using the Underground Railroad, the mistreatment and victimization of women who had no rights, the struggles of prejudice that immigrants face in America We enjoyed the novel and feel it is going to become a best seller - it was definitely a compelling read!
Menu: Bee-shaped tea cakes and chocolate and lemon lavender scones to enjoy with tea and coffee.
Bookish Ladies: "Everyone enjoyed the book and a fresh reboot of The Scarlet Letter. The author did a wonderful retelling and we loved the characters and the story. We had a great discussion and we’re so happy to have this fun experience. We highly recommend HESTER! One member loved the book so much that she took a trip to Salem - ok it was a brilliant coincidence that she was going there!"
Menu: "Many colorful vegetables mentioned in the book."
Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas and Cork and Olive Book Club, Valrico, FloridaHALF-BLOWN ROSE by Leesa-Cross Smith (Grand Central, 2022)
A novel about a woman remaking her life after her husband’s betrayal leads to a year of travel, art, and passion in Paris.
Famished for Fiction: “We had a great time discussing HALF-BLOWN ROSE! This book really stretched us!" We discussed infidelity quite a bit: some members felt that the current problem —the marriage— needed to be resolved before embarking on another adventure—a relationship with Loup. We discussed that Vincent and Loup being independently wealthy contributed to their ability to just 'do as they pleased'. Vincent runs off to Paris; she and Loup travel by train to visit Theo, and family. Her family’s laid-back attitude when she shows up with Loup is a bit shocking; but, put into the context of their family, it made sense. SPOILER ALERT: We felt the ending left questions unanswered...maybe a sequel is in the plans? We would love to know if Vincent will return to Cillian, stay with Loup or go out on her own. We felt she was d searching for her freedom by leaving Kentucky and fleeing to Paris; but, in the end, becomes more tied down with the pregnancy. We recommend this book to those who enjoy Paris, romance, art, and secrets."Menu: We loved that the novel was set in Paris so we met at a French restaurant, Toulouse Cafe & Bar for quiche, Toulouse salad, lobster rolls, lobster risotto, and rose-themed drinks: French 77 and Rose all-day punch."
Cork and Olive: We looked forward to HALF-BLOWN ROSE, as we enjoyed Leesa’s novel THIS CLOSE TO OKAY and this did not disappoint! We enjoy her writing style—a phenomenal writer!” There was much discussion about whether Vincent should have led her husband on, whether it was wrong for her to be with Loup before a decision about her marriage, and whether she should have reached out to Tully and his mother. No one liked Cillian's actions and would have preferred Vincent to end her marriage if she was going to go be with someone else. We discussed Vincent's relationship with her children and the growing relationship with Tully, who we loved. There was concern that Vincent spent more time on Tully with her children, although we know that she loved them - she just didn't share as much of herself with them. We all want an epilogue!! We agreed that we needed to know what Vincent decided. Some hoped she kicked both Cillian and Loop to the curb, stayed in Paris, and raised the baby herself. Some thought she might have both... We loved that she decided to just do whatever she felt— eat pastries, sleep during the day, do whatever her spirit felt, while she proces
sed this punch in the gut to her life.
We enjoyed the references to food, art, books, and music. It was SO brilliant that Leesa created Vincent's Spotify playlists. We were delighted to see videos and references to characters on @anchoismusic. What a great way to bring the book to life! C'est bon bon bon! We recommend this novel to those who enjoy travel, art, and passion.”
Menu: "Our menu featured foods referenced —wonderfully varied and not all French! Cranberry Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes, Chickpea Stew, Fig Jam and Cheese with crackers, Rosemary Flatbread with Hummus and Olives, Pain au Chocolat, Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies, and of course, Champagne!
Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Literary Lovelies of Yonkers, New York Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Finer Things Book Club of Brentwood, CaliforniaTHE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK by Ellen Marie Wiseman (Kensington, 8/22)
The story about the Willowbrook State School, the Staten Island mental institution that shocked a nation when exposed in the 1970s as a dumping ground for unwanted children.
Sensational Seven: "We are fortunate to read this new novel from a favorite author! Once again, Ms. Wiseman has so eloquently written about another of our nation’s past social injustices. We compared our strong responses to the novel with other books with difficult topics. She has shed light on a piece of our history that is so important to learn about. Her take on Willowbrook through the eyes of sixteen-year-old, Sage Winters, was a riveting ‘page-turner.’ When Sage discovers her twin sister, Rosemary, was alive and had been institutionalized for years at Willowbrook; she courageously heads to the school to rescue her. We discussed our emotional responses in realizing that these atrocities occurred in our lifetime and in our country Our discussion centered on how the children’s parents felt after learning the truth of events at the ‘school.’ We were sad and horrified over Willowbrook, and had for the staff and media who were crucial to its closure. We felt grateful for the advancement in care and treatment of the mentally ill and incapacitated members of our society today.”
Menu: "Our take on related food/drink: White chicken chili, representing the colorless mush that residents at Willowbrook were served daily. We also drank Tequila Sunrises, a popular cocktail in 1972, using orange juice. In the novel, the nurses mixed medication in orange juice to keep the residents sedated. No meds were used by our book club- only tequila and grenadine in the OJ!”
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “We enjoy historical fiction and mystery and this was the best of both worlds!”Some members recently toured a State Hospital in Michigan and were able to compare what they learned with Willowbrook. Ellen Marie Wiseman joined us via Zoom to answer questions about how she researched the book and where the ideas came from— including the big twist. It was especially fun because she had been at the memorial at Willowbrook the day before and was able to tell us about meeting some of the doctors and attendants who helped to blow the whistle, per se. We discussed society during this time, and why it was often recommended for parents to place children in a place like Willowbrook. We discussed how parents could see their child in that state, not say anything- many of us agreed that during that time, people deferred to 'authority’ and took the doctors at their word. Today, parents question and challenge authority, especially when it comes to doctors and teachers. We agreed this was one of the saddest stories we had heard and had time wrapping our heads around the fact that while it’s a fictional story the setting, conditions, and many of the characters were real. We also didn’t see the twist coming (Ellen said that even her editor didn’t see that one!).”
Menu: "Pancakes and bacon, a build-your-own-oatmeal bar, and orange juice —spiked with champagne instead of sedatives, as in the book."
Literary Lovelies: "This was truly a fascinating book that led to a great discussion about mental health. We couldn't believe it was based on a true story! We all loved this fascinating story, and it was heartbreaking to know it was based on a real situation. The subject matter was difficult but we all enjoyed the historical fiction and somewhat true crime genre in this well-written and detailed novel. Wiseman graphically describes the school, where employees brutalize and demean their residents. It’s after a reporter sneaks into the facility— the journalist is Geraldo Rivera, who was instrumental in getting the facility rehabbed and shut down —that light is shed on these inhumane conditions. We discussed the women brought to this facility, mental health, and the management of those needing special care. It was terrible that couldn’t speak up for themselves, and that no one ever checked on them This dark and gritty story will stay with us for a long time—it was so interesting and led to a fabulous discussion. This is my first time reading this author and I will be looking for more of her books."
Elizabeth's Book Chat, Frisco, Texas; Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey; North Wales Area Public Library; PennsylvaniaWHEN WE LET GO by Rochelle Weinstein
A novel about mothers and daughters, loss and acceptance, the lessons that come from heartbreak, and the healing it takes to embrace the joy of a second chance.Elizabeth’s Book Chat: "A wonderful match We had a very lively discussion with author Rochelle Weinstein and the book was so well received. Everyone loved it! There were different elements of the story that each of us could relate to which made it even more interesting. The author's style of writing is genuine and heartfelt. As we read the words on the page, we also were able to actually feel the emotions. What was very interesting was when members asked Rochelle where the idea for the tree came from. The response kept everyone chatting for a while. Great interaction!”
Book Club Girls Sparta: “A new author to us, and this moving story was enjoyed by all. Many could relate to the protagonist's profound level of loss and trauma and how one moment in her young life altered her future relationships with those closest to her. Trauma, grief, mother-daughter, sister, family, forgiveness, strength, and courage were all key factors that resonated with our readers. We discussed the importance of self-care and women surrounding themselves with people they can trust and open up to, and give themselves permission to move on and heal. We enjoyed the mother/ daughter theme. Read this moving novel if you are looking for a story of mothers, daughters, first love, second chances, and the powerful bond of sisters. “
Over-Readers Anonymous of Cumming, Georgia, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, Wine Club with a Book Problem, Woodstock, GeorgiaOVERKILL by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 8/22)
A crime thriller in which a conflict of conscience between a former football star and an ambitious state prosecutor swiftly intensifies into a fight for their lives.
Reckless Readers: "OVERKILL satisfied the thriller need, romance desire, and contemplative fiction we all love. It was an excellent book club book that sparked much conversation: the question of whether or not we would want to stay alive, or if we could actually pull the plug ourselves on a loved one, after being in a coma with no brain activity. The characters had moral and religious struggles with this choice, and we empathized with them. We loved the spicy romance in the book —with much discussion about how much more of it everyone wanted—as well as the direction of the story. Eban’s character sent us on another heated conversation about entitlement and the evils that wealth can add to an already evil person’s being. Sandra Brown did an excellent job of making us hate him, and kept us page-turning hoping for a better outcome. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy a little romance in their thriller, and heavy discussion points."
Menu: "Our drink—the Blue Overkill (vodka blue Curacao, and pineapple juice) was tasty, like Zach, and packed a punch like Kate. Paired with charcuterie."
Over-Readers Anonymous: “We recommend OVERKILL for those who enjoy crime fiction, suspense thrillers, and contemporary issues with a little romance thrown in! Our book club has enjoyed several Sandra Brown novels, they're entertaining and also touch on issues that lead to a deeper discussion. We discussed the ethical dilemma at the foundation of OVERKILL and delved into medical ethics, end-of-life planning, the characters, the plot, the judicial system, and the celebrity spotlight. As we all have roots in the south, we liked the Atlanta, New Orleans, and North Carolina settings. OVERKILL was action-packed and easy-to-read."
Menu: “As a BBQ menu was suggested by the author, met at a local restaurant for pulled pork!." (see Sandra Brown's recipe)
Book Club Girls: "An enjoyable read with developed characters an incredible, setting, and suspense well paced throughout the book. We discussed what we would do if faced with the same situation as Zach even though none of our members have had to face this situation. What many of us thought should have been a clear-cut choice, as we wove through the narrative we came to understand that there were so many layers to this that came into play that it wasn't as simple as we believed in the beginning. The most hated character was the villain Eban and although he is fictional, we agreed there are real people in the world like him. When you are so wealthy that you can make so many disastrous choices as a human with no consequences was highlighted. What would have happened to someone else who wasn't as wealthy? Also, we all agreed that no one really thought about Rebecca, until they were forced to, which led us to agree it was unacceptable for her to continue to be victimized in a way for so very long. But, if she was allowed to let go in the beginning, there wouldn't be as much of a plot line for the book. Loved the premise of the story, it gave lots of topics for discussion.
Menu: "We recommend bbq, pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans, and any tailgating type of foods that would be a nod to North Carolina and football."
Wine Club with a Book Problem: "OVERKILL is a good thought-provoking story. The topic of life support and having your affairs in order gave us a good discussion, and we enjoyed the setting of Atlanta since we live in the area. Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger has MPA for his ex-wife, Rebecca, who has been placed on life support after a violent assault. Zach has kept Rebecca on life support for 4 years to honor her parent's wishes. The attacker, Eban, gets an early release from prison and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. If Rebecca were to die, Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off and put Eban back in prison. We discussed that no one really thought about Rebecca. Zach was concerned about how he would be portrayed by the media, her father keeping her alive to punish Zach, 
and Eban boasting how his father's money got him out of prison early and now he can bet back to partying. It was unacceptable to keep Rebecca on life-support for so long.
Menu: "There are many football analogies and football references throughout the book. We put together a Tailgate Football Menu: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Balsamic Fig Infused Burger Bites, Wings, Homemade Salsa & Chips plus Guacamole, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pizza Pepper Poppers."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; CT Lit, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Kings Chapel Book Club Arrington, Tennessee,ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir (Penguin Teen, 3/22)
A contemporary novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.
Reading Between the Wines: "We all enjoyed the book and thought the author did a wonderful job of creating flawed and 'real' characters that we grew to care about."This was a great match for our club. Our discussion included immigrants' struggles to preserve their culture while trying to achieve the American Dream, the nature of generational trauma, the opioid crisis, and the role of faith in people's lives- so many things to discuss! We became invested in the characters of Noor and Sal and the traumatic events that they and their families, experienced impacted us, and provided a lot of jumping-off points for discussion. Watching their growth throughout the novel gave it a hopeful ending. We loved this book and were fully invested in these characters, and reading it was a very emotional journey. Recommended to clubs that enjoy books discussing contemporary themes, strong characters, and emotional reads.
Menu: We met at a local Indian/Pakistani restaurant to enjoy food discussed and eaten in the novel: chai tea, poori, halwa, Chicken Kashmiri, and paratha, among other dishes!
Page Ladies: “We went in expecting a contemporary story about friendship and forgiveness but what we got was so much more. Thank you, Sabaa Tahir, for sharing this devastating but absolutely beautiful story with us! This is a powerful story that affected each of us differently. It's one that will stay with us for a long time. Until The Fight Salahudin and Noor were more than friends; they were family. Now, Sal is struggling with keeping his family's motel afloat as his mother's health fails and his father loses himself to alcoholism. Meanwhile, Noor is working at her uncle's liquor store and hiding the fact that she’s applying to college so she can escape him and Juniper forever. Sal and Noor must ask themselves what friendship is worth and what it takes to defeat the monsters in their pasts and the ones in their midst. This is an emotional and moving story about friendship, forgiveness, and heartache; it’s like taking a deep dive into a pool full of emotions. Grief, betrayal and forgiveness, loss, rage— you will feel every single one and more in this book. No one from our book club was able to finish this book with dry eyes. There are so many topics that were brought up and all were not easy to discuss: death, drugs, prejudice, and physical abuse. The writing is absolutely wonderful—Sabaa Tahir is a fabulous storyteller. She has a way with words that touches each of her readers.“
Get Woke Book Club “Members arrived with books displaying colorful post-it tabs, which visually reflected the common greeting, 'there is so much to think about in this novel!A group of mothers and grandmothers very much enjoyed the novel by a young adult author and its detailed and realistic picture of the struggles that immigrants face in relocating to the United States and of the family traditions and secrets that follow the immigrants to their new home. The culture and religious traditions of Pakistan were vividly described in an engaging storyline and beautiful prose. The main plot follows the lives of two Pakistani teens, who are struggling with school, personal tragedies, and love. They are surrounded by other well-drawn characters who add depth to the story. We discussed the many plot lines and themes: diversity, forgiveness, hope, family relationships, communication, secrecy, and loss. Tahir fills the novel with music, probably an excellent technique for adolescent readers—they can easily relate to the messages and emotions through familiar songs. Noor uses songs and their lyrics to help cope with the conflicts in her life.
Members shared selfies with short reflections: “Music plays a role in helping us deal with life’s adversities.* When is a relationship worth salvaging? *Fortunately forgiveness does not have an expiration date. It waits and always hopes to be the last word. *Peeling through the complicated layers of life we can see, appreciate and begin to understand one another. * One of my favorite quotes ‘Great passions grow into monsters in the dark of the mind; but if you share them with loving friends they remain human, they can be endured.’ * Tahir effectively introduces sections with lines from Elizabeth Bishop's poem, “One Art. Many characters ‘lost’ things: family, money, businesses, dignity. A lesson we all may need is that losing isn’t always bad.: 'the art of losing’s not too hard to master’ *While keeping a secret is meant to protect someone at some point, keeping that secret might be doing more harm.”
CT Lit Book Club: "We’ve been exploring new genres, and we enjoyed ALL MY RAGE, a heartbreaking story that touches on a lot of sensitive topics which gave us plenty to discuss.ALL MY RAGE introduced us to Pakistani culture. This young adult story follows two Pakistani teens growing up in a small town in California and the grim realities of their American dream. Even through difficult times their cultural norms held them together as a family, even if not by blood, the young adult characters are each facing their own struggles—the death of a loved one, racism, alcoholism, drugs, abuse— they are navigating grief, failure, and forgiveness, and must ultimately lean on one another to make sense of the chaos they are facing. It was shocking to imagine our younger selves in situations like these and we spent time reflecting on how the kids navigated various situations. One that stood out is how Salahudin and Noor dealt with the drug bust, and how their relationship persevered. We also discussed how Salahudin came to terms with his abuse. We recommend ALL MY RAGE for clubs learning about other cultures, family drama, and historical fiction."
Kings Chapel: “Thank you for the chance to read this insightful novel. We had a fabulous discussion and I think it was good to read outside our usual genres. This is a heart-wrenching story about two teens from Pakistani families living in Juniper, California, dealing with tough circumstances, basically all by themselves. We don’t read much YA, It was out of the comfort zone for most of the ladies. but the tough topics represented in this story, such as grief, alcoholism, physical abuse, and racism, were easier to handle in the Young Adult format. Understanding why the characters made the choices they did was something we discussed quite a bit. As teens, they made decisions that were wrong but for the right reasons and it was interesting to get in the minds of these teens and try to understand why. As parents, it was hard to read at times, feeling so sad for these kids who have had such a hard life. But seeing them grow and learn from mistakes and stand up for others, gave the book a nice redemption quality in the end. Recommended for groups that enjoy YA coming of age and social justice."
Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut, Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma;
Lit Ladies Read, Melbourne, Florida; Thrillers by The Book / Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas;
Thrillers by The Book / Costa Mesa, California, CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut recommend:
THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK by Jennifer Hillier (Minotaur 7/22)
Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.
Reckless Readers: An excellent match! Everyone was excited to talk about the twists. We had much to discuss with THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK. Members were messaging before we met, needing to talk about the book as they were finishing it. It was like a month-long meeting, behind the scenes! Usually, if continuous discussion is prompted, the book was a hit. To say the book was twisty is an understatement. This book was twisty than a country back road! A few of us seasoned readers predicted the big twists, but most of us were surprised and shocked. Together, we all needed to unload about the horrendous mothering and terrible situations that Joey was put in throughout her childhood. All of the women in our group are mothers, which makes the book hit us so much harder. But the book wasn’t just about sexual abuse and trauma. There is a high-profile murder that could potentially unearth secrets that need to be kept hidden. The conversation got animated when we discussed Joelle's charge with murder, and there was much discussion about the relationship between Ruby and Joey. As mothers, we found it hard to imagine how Ruby could treat Joey the way she did and put her in such horrible situations. It was heartbreaking and disturbing ."
Chilly Thrillies: “Thank you for giving our group the gift of a 5-star read, a perfect match! We were engaged from start to finish and loved how much there was to discuss. It had the thrills of a book with great character development and storyline. We discussed narcissism and how it affects relationships, specifically parent-child, how the way you are raised affects your instincts and perspective of others, fight or flight and how we would react in certain scenarios in the book, sexual abuse, and its long-term effects, age gap relationships and how people can be evil, but the 'lesser evil.’ We debated which storyline in the dual timeline was more action-packed—something hard to accomplish. Normally, we’re more interested in one storyline, We each were able to predict one of the twists, but we're stumped on the others and loved that there was more than one twist revealed. I was so impressed, I read Hillier’s JAR OF HEARTS. Recommended for those who enjoy a page-turning thriller with complex characters that you root for."
Menu: We made a Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe similar to what Paris makes towards the end of the book (she used pork instead of chicken). We were inspired by her description of how learning to cook was so special when she was going through such a dark time.
Lit Ladies Read: “We enjoyed this twisty, thriller/mystery. and had a very lively discussion! We had so much to discuss. We enjoyed the storytelling, shifting between past and present. and different points of view. This really helped to fully develop the characters. Although some predicted twists, we were still engrossed in the story and wanted to see how things played out.
“Our discussion centered around the characters and their relationships. One of our favorites was that between Jimmy and Paris and the highlight of our discussion was the relationship between Paris/Joey and Ruby. We disagreed about how adult Paris should have handled Ruby and decided that we had to agree to disagree about our feelings towards Paris, but we all agreed that this book was a hit for our group. The mystery is multi-layered, with deep characters. Many members put other books by this author on their ‘to be read’ list."
Thrillers by the Book Club, DFW: "This was our best GalleyMatch, perfect for our group and for book clubs that like dark and twisted mysteries“We all loved how the book started with a very intriguing and captivating scene Joey’s background was very interesting and her relationship with her mother was so toxic. There are a few mysteries in the story. Besides trying to find out if Paris murdered her husband, we’re also trying to work out Paris’ past, how did she go from living with an abusive unstable mother, who is now in prison, to living a wealthy life married to a famous celebrity? I enjoyed Paris’ past the most I loved the intensity in the chapters that focused on Paris’ childhood and upbringing. Ruby, her mother, was such an intriguing and complex character—a terrible mother, self-centered and irresponsible, which caused Paris a lot of pain and uncertainty. While a few members predicted the twist, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this dark and suspenseful story.”
Thrillers by The Book, Costa Mesa: “This was an excellent pick for our club! The majority liked or loved this one! Some said it was one of their favorite picks of the year. Many of the members enjoyed the mystery of learning about the murderer in the end, and the alternating timelines of the female main character. There were a variety of opinions about who committed the crime.”
CT Lit Book Club: "This was the perfect match for us! We have been craving a thriller and this was on all of our anticipated release lists. We all enjoyed the book, and were so excited to have a chance to preview it! We discussed how jam-packed this book was with plot points. There was much to hold your attention and give you room to try and predict what would happen. We loved how creative Hillier is— there is one scene in specific that was so creative and will leave us remembering the book forever! (hint hint, ice skates). Half of us had read another book by Hillier, and we all agreed that we want to read more Hiller titles."
The Joy of Reading, Roseville, Minnesota; That's What She Read, Coatesville, Pennsylvania; Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Book Hens, Goshen, Kentucky; Key Women Educators, Royal Palm Beach Florida; The Joy of Reading, Roseville, Minnesota; No Shelf Control, St. Albans, Vermont; Blu Stockings Literary Society, West Allis, Wisconsin; Kings Chapel Book Club, Arrington Tennessee
STRANGERS IN TIME by David Baldacci (Grand Central, 4/25)
Set in London in 1944, about a bereaved bookshop owner and two teenagers scarred by World War II, and the healing and hope they find in one another.
Joy of Reading: “A great match! We've read many novels set during World War II, but this one offered a fresh perspective by focusing on three individuals, notably, two children. We were especially interested in seeing the war through a child’s eyes. Their stories of loss, perseverance, and survival deeply drew us in. As many of us work with children, we’re especially attuned to how trauma impacts young lives. We also recognize the transformative power of even one caring adult. In this story, the adult character fulfilled that role beautifully, while also undergoing his healing journey. We appreciated learning new historical details, such as the air raid wardens' responsibility to account for every member of the community and the German use of mustard gas—facts many of us hadn’t known before.
We all enjoyed the book and were moved by its message of endurance and personal strength in the face of a crisis. The writing style was engaging and accessible. Most of us were familiar with Baldacci through his mysteries, so it was refreshing to experience a different side of his work."
That's What She Read: "As historical fiction fans, this was an enjoyable and engaging read. We were especially drawn to its strong character development and unique perspective on World War II through children's eyes. We met on May 8th, which we discovered was the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a key event also celebrated in the story.
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of our discussion centered on mental health, particularly how the trauma of war impacted children. We discussed how such experiences forced kids to mature quickly, making decisions or taking actions they would not have in peacetime. This prompted us to reflect on how a small moment can shape or change a relationship, and how unexpected friendships can emerge even in difficult circumstances.
This was the first Baldacci book for many members. While we’ve read other novels of the era, STRANGERS IN TIME stood out thanks to the perspective of younger characters. By the end, we were fully invested in Molly, Charlie, and Oliver—and eager to see where their stories would lead."
Menu: "A tea party, and crafted candles to tie in with the wartime blackouts! Our menu included War Cake, tea sandwiches, tea and shortbread, fruit kabobs, cream puffs, veggie pizza, and a meat and cheese tray with crackers."
Reading Between the Wines: “We all enjoyed STRANGERS IN TIME and had a lively discussion. We like historical fiction and mysteries, and this story was a great fit. Discussion highlights included how the war brought together people who might never have crossed paths otherwise. We talked about how Molly, Charlie, and Ignatius became a kind of family through the chaos of war. We also reflected on how quickly Molly and Charlie had to grow up in wartime, and how all three characters were able to support one another during pivotal moments in their lives".
Menu: Orange Cranberry and Lemon Blueberry scones, and War Cake, popular during war shortages."
No Shelf Control: "A perfect match for our book club—every member rated it 5/5,.. We all found it gripping—the twists and turns, historical setting, and suspenseful pace made it both entertaining and thought-provoking. We played a book bingo game with hidden prizes—each book held secret codes and bookmarks tucked into compartments, echoing the espionage and secrecy of World War II London. Our discussion touched on how the beginning reminded some of OLIVER TWIST, while others drew comparisons to THE UNDERGROUND LIBRARY, noting how people press on with life even amid the chaos of war. Two quotes sparked deep conversation. The first—'How a single madman could do so much damage to the world'—led us to reflect on our current political climate. The second, from the book’s closing lines—'We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted,'—made us appreciate the support of friends and family, especially our book club."
Menu: "Jaffa Cakes and War Cake, in honor of Charlie.”
Key Women Educators: " A fantastic match. Everyone who read it loved it. While we expected to enjoy the book based on our familiarity with the author, we were all surprised by how much it exceeded our expectations, especially since Baldacci is writing in a different genre. We had lively, thought-provoking discussions that touched on espionage, trauma and healing, the roles of women and children in wartime, and economic disparity—topics that felt relevant even today. It was a powerful story of friendship, personal loss, recovery, survival, and love, wrapped in mystery, history, and intrigue. The pacing was fast, and the writing masterful. As the discussion leader, I had prepared with a publisher's guide, but it wasn’t needed—we had enough material for two meetings. This book was a joy to read and discuss, and we’re grateful for such a wonderful match."
Menu: "We met at Paddy Mac's, a pub serving English food to match the setting."
The Blu Stockings Literary Society: "A well-written story that immerses you in each character’s life. Although the novel is set during World War II, the story approaches history from a different perspective, adding a layer of mystery and several unexpected twists. This unique angle sparked great discussion and made for a compelling read. We felt as if we lived their experiences alongside them. The story made us reflect on what life must have been like for the children who lived through this era and the frightening world they had to navigate each day. It also highlighted how vital it was to have someone to connect with—someone who could offer a moment of joy or a sense of normalcy amid such uncertainty.We recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction and are interested in exploring both the humane and inhumane aspects of life during this time."
Kings Chapel Book Club: "We had a wonderful experience reading this novel, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The characters were well developed, and we found it especially compelling to view the war through the eyes of young people. Despite the harsh circumstances they endured, their strong bond and determination to care for one another stood out. They were barely surviving, yet always striving to do the right thing, which led to rich and heartfelt discussions. We were also deeply moved by the storyline involving Molly’s mother, whose mental illness, though tragic, was portrayed with sensitivity and depth. It prompted an insightful conversation about the advances in mental health treatment over the years and how differently her condition might be handled today. Many of us have read a lot of WWII historical fiction, but this one felt unique in its focus on displaced children and their experience of the war. Even one member who doesn't typically read historical fiction said she enjoyed it. Thank you so much for matching us with this title—it was highly rated across the board and sparked meaningful reflection and dialogue."
The Book Hens: "Our book club was completely captivated by this novel. Baldacci’s beautiful, immersive writing style pulled us right in, and we were quickly invested in the story of 14-year-old Charlie, an orphan trying to survive in WWII-era London. His decision to quietly drop out of school and resort to stealing felt heartbreakingly necessary given his circumstances. Living with his grandmother—the only family he has left—Charlie’s world is shaped by fear, loss, and the constant threat of war. But when he meets Molly, a fellow orphan with a very different past, and Ignatius, a widowed bookstore owner with a heart of gold, the story blossoms into something truly special. The powerful bonds formed through shared grief and hardship were moving, and the characters’ resilience inspired us. We spoke at length about each of them—what they faced, how we might have acted in their place—and we especially loved how some characters who seemed unlikable at first eventually won us over. This book was a hit with our entire group, and many of us are eager to read more by Baldacci. It's the kind of story that stays with you and makes for rich, emotional discussion—perfect for a book club. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and found-family narratives."
Novels and Nibbles, Churchville, Pennsylvania; Kings Chapel Morning Book Club, Arrington, Tennessee; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; 37AS Spouses Book Club
TALES OF A PET VET by Dr. Dawn Silos (She Writes. 3/25). A memoir about Dr. Filos' journey as a veterinarian, along with the pets and their families she has treated and served,
Ranch Readers: “ We were delighted to read TALES OF A PET VET As current or former pet owners of domestic pets and ranch animals, we appreciated learning about Dr. Dawn’s background, her experiences in the field, and her journey through veterinary medicine. Her fun and accessible writing style made this memoir an enjoyable and engaging read. Although we have good relationships with our veterinarians, we had new insights into strengthening those partnerships and better care for our pets. Dr. Dawn’s stories about her time in veterinary school were fascinating and harrowing — far more intense than we had imagined! We were also touched by her willingness to make house calls, something we value highly in our rural area. Several members shared that they’ve had to make the difficult decision to euthanize a beloved pet at home, and we all agreed that a familiar, peaceful environment makes those moments more bearable for both pets and their humans. Her tales of eccentric pet owners gave us plenty of laughs, and we shared our stories of friends and neighbors who have gone to great lengths for their animals.
One topic that stood out was the idea of a 'pet trust' — none of us had considered this, but agreed it’s important to explore, especially as many of us are in our golden years.
We also found the chapter on 'Western and Alternative Medicine' very informative, and were surprised to learn that acupuncture, acupressure, and other natural remedies can be used to treat animals. It opened our eyes to new approaches in pet care that we hadn’t previously considered. We agreed that we learned much from Dr. Dawn, and recommend her book to other book clubs with pet lovers. Finally, Dr. Dawn kindly signed our books and even included hand-drawn, homemade bookmarks, which we all found incredibly charming!"
Novels and Nibbles: “Dr. Filos, we thoroughly enjoyed reading your book! We live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and had an immediate connection to your story when you mentioned the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, as it’s right in our area. The group was struck by how eye-opening the book was in portraying the emotional and physical demands of being a veterinarian—a real ‘rude awakening’ for many. While your comparisons to three other books were appreciated, we also felt a strong connection to the humor found in Erma Bombeck’s writing, noting a delightful similarity to your own.
As a circle of devoted pet lovers, many of whom have personal experience with house-call vets, the book resonated deeply. The chapters on euthanasia were especially moving, bringing tears to several members as they recalled their own heartbreaking experiences. Ziggy Stardust emerged as a group favorite, and the stories of Georgia and Edna touched hearts, especially given their impressive longevity.
The discussion also touched on your regret over not being trained in acupuncture, sparking the question: how do you keep a pet still for such a delicate procedure? Your unwavering commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired great empathy and admiration from everyone. In the end, the overwhelming sentiment was: we all wish you were our pet’s vet. Thank you for a book that made us laugh, cry, and—most importantly—deeply appreciate the sacrifices and rewards of a career in veterinary medicine.”
Kings Chapel: “This was such a great discussion—one that really touched the heart! Several members are lifelong animal lovers, including one whose two daughters are veterinarians, and they are now reading the book. We were all deeply moved by the heartfelt stories of the animals Dr. Filos has cared for over the years, and especially impressed by her extraordinary dedication as a traveling pet vet. Her compassion and commitment truly stood out and gave us all a deeper appreciation for the profession.
A meaningful part of our discussion was about how naturally it turned into a walk down memory lane. Everyone had a story to share—whether it was about a favorite childhood pet, the way a current pet came into their life, or the special bond they’ve shared with their animals over the years. The emotions ran high, and more than a few tears were shed as we talked about how much our pets mean to us. It reminded us just how important the work of veterinarians is—and how lucky Dr. Filos's clients are to have her care and expertise.
Initially, a few members worried that the book might be too sad, but we were pleasantly surprised by the warmth, humor, and joy woven throughout. While there were certainly touching, emotional moments, they were beautifully balanced by laugh-out-loud anecdotes and uplifting experiences. In the end, everyone agreed: this was a book that made us feel deeply, laugh often, and reflect on the animals who’ve been part of our lives. This is a rewarding read for anyone who loves animals.”
37AS Spouses: “Getting the chance to speak with Dr. Filos brought the experience full circle and made it even more meaningful. Our discussion with her was heartfelt, and much of it centered around the parts of the book that resonated with us as pet parents. We especially appreciated learning about topics such as including pets in wills, having a plan in place in case of an owner’s untimely death, the use of holistic medicine, and the unique advantages of mobile veterinary clinics. Many of us admitted we might not have picked up this book on our own, but we’re so glad we did—it expanded our reading horizons and gave us a new appreciation for memoirs like this. We loved the adorable bookmarks that came with the books! We chose the one that most closely resembled our pets. It was such a thoughtful touch that made the experience even more personal and enjoyable."
OverReaders Anonymous, Cummings, Georgia; Book Club Babes, Jensen Beach, Florida; Book Club by the Sea, Isle of Palms, South Carolina
WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE by Mary Alice Monroe (William Morrow, 5/25)
The first of two epic and triumphant novels celebrating one intrepid woman's life across multiple generations in the American South.
Menu: "Chicken, Gumbo, Sweet Tea, Benne Wafers, Saltwater Taffy
Sweetgrass Book Society, Charleston, South Carolina; Literary Coven, Silverhill, Alabama; Romantic Adventure, Gainesville, Virginia; KC Ladies, Littleton, Colorado
THE LOVE HATERS by Katherine Center (St. Martin’s Press, 5//25)
A video producer who can't swim profiles a dreamy Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West
Sweetgrass: “We love a good rom-com, and THE LOVE HATERS delivered. It was a light, summery, fun read—easy to get into, funny, fast-paced, and entertaining. We especially enjoyed the banter, the creative premise, and the vibrant setting. The plot twists—like the brother showing up with the boss, and the hurricane finale with the dog—kept things exciting. And we loved the Gals! A great pick for anyone who enjoys a flirty summer romance with humor and heart.
Menu: “Tropical drinks. We wore summery caftans to match the vibe."
Literary Coven: "A perfect summer read. We found Katie, our FMC, incredibly relatable—especially in her struggles with body insecurity. We appreciate that the Center tackles heavier topics—family trauma and self-esteem—while maintaining a light tone. We loved the characters, the witty writing, and the plot. And shoutout to our goodest boy, George Bailey, for being the wingman. Hutch? Hutch, phhheww! Do we have a thing for men in uniform now? The quirky, awkward moments throughout the story made it even more heartwarming, the twists and turns had us laughing, and the ending left us smiling. Highly recommended for fans of quirky rom-coms with heart, humor, and strong character growth. This was the first time we had read a book by Center, and we’re excited to explore her other work."
Menu: “Dinner at 850 Fusion & Bar with margaritas!"
Romantic Adventure: “We loved this charming, cute, and funny novel. We appreciated the focus on body acceptance. One member— a dietitian who works with adolescents and eating disorders—was moved by Katie’s journey with self-image and plans to recommend the book to patients. This was a fun and refreshing change of pace from our usual romantasies. The splinter-in-the-bum meet-cute had us laughing out loud, and there were so many other memorable moments that were fun to relive. A perfect pick for those who enjoy lighthearted romantic comedies that make you cheer for Katie.”
Menu: "Key West theme: shrimp, chips and salsa, key lime pie, and margaritas to match the book’s breezy, summer vibe."
KC Ladies: “Given the current state of the world, THE LOVE HATERS was exactly the kind of book we needed—light, uplifting, and a page-turner. We all enjoyed this rom-com and appreciated the break it offered from heavier reads. It felt like the perfect summer or beach book—fun, fast-paced, and enjoyable. Many of us finished it in just a few days. We especially appreciated the themes of positive body image and embracing your flaws. The main character felt relatable and genuine—someone we’d love to hang out with. Her mostly colorless wardrobe gave us a laugh, and we all agreed that a trip to the book’s sunny, vibrant setting —complete with bold fashion choices and good company– sounded like something we could use ourselves! e with bold fashion choices and good company– sounded like something we could use ourselves! Several members were inspired to check out Katherine Center’s other books.”
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Reckless Readers, Eastford, Connecticut
BLOOD MOON by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 3/25)
A detective and TV show producer working against the clock to prevent another young woman from disappearing before the next blood moon.
Reading Between the Wines: “Our book club reads various genres, but suspense and mystery are always favorites, so Blood Moon was perfect for us! We had a great discussion about the Blood Moon mythology, the Louisiana bayou setting, and the relationships in the book. John and Mitch’s friendship stood out to us, as well as John’s relationship with his teenage daughter, Molly—it added some nice emotional depth to the story. The Louisiana bayou setting gave the story a rich, atmospheric vibe, and the central mystery was fast-moving and kept us guessing until the end.”
Menu: We leaned into the theme and met up at Nanola, a local restaurant known for its Cajun and New Orleans-inspired cuisine. And it was the night of the Blood Moon.”
Reckless Readers: “Our group enjoyed BLOOD MOON. The connection to the Blood Moon and the dark web added an intriguing layer to the mystery, and we all agreed the investigation tied to the moon cycle was a unique twist. The relationship between Beth and John was a big topic of conversation, especially how the story was written from a male perspective and how it focused on their sexual tension. We even scheduled our meeting around the actual Blood Moon! A few of us were determined to stay up and snap some photos, but let’s be real, we all ended up sleeping through it. The pairing of the detective and the crime documentary director was unexpected but worked surprisingly well. Their contrasting approaches to the investigation balanced each other out, and the chemistry between them? Waiting for them to get together was the most suspenseful part of the book!
Menu: “His and hers cocktails to match the characters. For John, a Smoked Whiskey Old Fashioned, and for Beth, a rum and ginger beer cocktail, The Blood Moon."
Words & Whisks, Cortland, New York; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Book Babes, Bedford, Massachusetts; STL Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; Weston Estates Book Club, Morrisville, North Carolina; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri
THE SIRENS by Emilia Hart (St. Martin's Press, 4/25)
A novel about sisters separated by centuries but bound together by the sea.
Weston Estates: "We recently discussed WEYWARD, and found ourselves naturally drawing comparisons between the two books. We appreciated the depth of research that went into the novel, a historically and geographically accurate story that seamlessly blended in elements of fantasy. The portrayal of strong women stood out to us, and we had thoughtful discussions about how, across different timelines, the female characters protected one another from the men who sought to harm them. We also compared the believability of witches in WEYWARD to the mermaids in THE SIRENS and reflected on how each mythology was woven into the story. We’re curious about what subject Emilia Hart will explore in her third novel.”
Menu: Themed treats. We sampled TamTams and Violet Crumble- Australian treats referenced in the book. To symbolize the women’s time on the ship, a Guinness chocolate cake and oranges, mini crab cakes —keeping with the sea trend— rounded out our food options. Drink options included Australian tea. wines, and Guinness.
Words and Whisks: “Our group of historical fiction lovers couldn’t have chosen a better book than THE SIRENS—this one quickly became a favorite among our reads!" The discussion was vibrant when exploring the connection between femininity and the ocean. Hart masterfully weaves these themes together, creating a beautiful tapestry that adds depth and resonance to the story. The novel also served as a coming-of-age journey for Jess, as she uncovered the truths of her life alongside the stories of the women around her.
Hart’s descriptive writing stood out as a major highlight. From the first page, she transported us into the world she built, immersing us in surreal, vivid imagery that made the story almost dreamlike. It had been a while since we’d read a novel so rich in atmosphere, and for much of the book, there was a craving to know more—to dig deeper into the characters and their world. Even better, that curiosity is rewarded. Hart's use of multiple POVs was creative and engaging, making the narrative all the more compelling. Each character had something unique to offer, and we found ourselves drawn to them for different reasons—and fascinated by the forces that brought them together. The themes of sisterhood, abuse at the hands of men, and womanhood all resonated with the group. We highly recommend this mysterious, atmospheric novel, especially for those who enjoy sea tales of womanhood and Irish history."
Page Ladies: ”The topics in the book and the characters sparked lively discussion. This empowering story of sisterhood, interwoven with a touch of fantasy, myth, mystery, and history, truly captivated us. It’s an amazing read—a tale of sisterhood, resilience, myths, magic, and more! With two timelines and two sets of sisters, the narrative converges into a wonderful journey that left us both inspired and reflective. The blend of fantasy and history created an enriching experience, and every twist and turn led to fresh insights on female empowerment, the mystery of the town, and the evolving bonds between the sisters. We read WEYWARD and were thrilled to get a chance to dive into Hart's new book—it did not disappoint! Thank you for sharing this great read.
Book Babes: "A key discussion topic was the historical aspect of Australia being a penal colony for Great Britain. We enjoyed the novel and were especially struck by its central themes of autonomy and reclaiming identity. The sirens’ journey reflected real-world struggles that women have faced throughout history—navigating the tension between societal labels and their true selves. We also found it compelling that the sirens lured bad men to their deaths while protecting women and the good men.”
Off The Shelf Book Club, Greensboro, North Carolina; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri; Reading Between the Wines Book, Albany, New York
THE QUEENS OF CRIME by Marie Benedict (St. Martin's Press, 2/25)
A thrilling story of Agatha Christie's legendary rival Dorothy Sayers, the race to solve a murder, and the power of friendship among women,
Reading Between the Wines: “A fantastic pick for our group! As fans of mystery and suspense novels, We especially appreciated the historical fiction aspect, which combined the lives of five iconic female novelists into a gripping locked-room mystery. It sparked lively discussions about the lives of these trailblazing authors. We were speculating why some of their works remain classics while others have faded into obscurity. We appreciated the theme of female empowerment as much as the mystery itself. The rivalry between the authors added depth to the story, making it as much about character dynamics as it was about the mystery itself. Overall, this was an engaging and thought-provoking read that we highly recommend to fans of historical fiction and locked-room mysteries!”
Menu: "Inspired by the book’s setting in England Veggie crudités with bean dip, Guinness cheddar soup, cottage pie, Butternut Squash & Mushroom Wellington, raspberry scones with clotted cream and black currant jam."
Happy Bookers: "The Queens of Crime was perfect for our group, offering rich historical insight and an engaging mystery. We always appreciate Marie Benedict's ability to educate while weaving an intriguing story." -Happy Bookers Book Club previewed Benedict's novel, the story of Agatha Christie's legendary rival Dorothy Sayers, the race to solve a murder, and the power of friendship among women, courtesy of St. Martin's Press and #GalleyMatch.
"We were unfamiliar with many of the women crime writers featured in the book, and we enjoyed learning about Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Emma Orczy. Our discussion centered around the secret society they formed, the sexism they faced, and the mystery they tackled to prove their abilities. Inspired by the book, we are eager to explore more works by these authors, starting with Dorothy Sayers. Once again, Benedict shines a light on intriguing historical figures in an engaging and accessible way and remains a favorite writer. We highly recommend her new novel for readers who love history, mystery, and learning about trailblazing women. We gathered at our local country club, a nod to the Detection Club featured in the story."
Off The Shelf “We wondered whether the women depicted were friends in real life, and had a few laughs over how petty the writers could be toward each other at times, and we agreed that several characters seemed overly sensitive by today’s standards. Our discussion focused on how the women leveraged societal expectations about gender to further their investigation—such as playing on the police officers’ sympathies toward the so-called weaker sex to gain access to evidence. We found it fascinating how much freedom the women had to travel between France and England to investigate the crimes, something quite different from today's reality, especially for working mothers. This led to a broader conversation about how single mothers and pregnant women still disproportionately shoulder both the societal and financial burdens of an unexpected or unwanted pregnancy. We have read several of Benedict’s novels, and recommend this novel to those who enjoy crime mysteries that confront social injustices."
Menu: "A tea party in honor of the British writers. We served Coronation Chicken Salad, tea cakes, cookies, macarons, sausage balls, meatballs, and, tea."
Teachers are Trailblazers, Plain City, Ohio; Longwood Ladies Bookclub, Goshen, Kentucky, Book Bags, New Prague, Minnesota
STONE ANGELS by Helena Rho (Grand Central, 3/25)
A forty-year-old woman journeys to her cultural homeland of Korea—and uncovers a harrowing secret that makes her rethink everything she thought she knew about her mother.
Teachers are Trailblazers: STONE ANGELS was fantastic, and resonated deeply with us! This novel sparked so many discussions. As teachers, we loved learning about Korean culture, which helped us better understand and support our students from other countries. The book’s incorporation of cultural details, especially the treatment of daughters during the Korean War with Japan and how that affected current generations, was incredibly thought-provoking. We had so many hallway conversations about how the past impacted the current timeline, especially Angelina’s journey to learn more about her mom after her passing.
Everyone commented about how the multiple timelines allowed us to see both the heartbreaking history of the older generation and the struggles of the modern one. While reading about the treatment of women during the Japanese occupation was difficult, it was an important and powerful part of the story. The modern timeline felt relatable, and we enjoyed how Angelina’s journey helped her—and us—better understand her mother and her choices. STONE ANGELS was a perfect match for our group: We enjoy character-driven and family-focused books and the cultural richness of this story added so much depth to our discussion."
Longwood Ladies: "What set STONE ANGELS apart for us was its unique perspective on the World War II era." This novel is set in Europe but told through the eyes of three generations of Korean women. We’re big fans of multiple points of view, and this structure allowed us to connect with each character. The story sparked a fascinating discussion about Korean culture and history, leading many members to research the topics. Angela’s journey to Korea after her mother’s death was so emotional for her and her quest to find her Aunt Sunyuh was gripping. When we learned Sunyuh’s heartbreaking story——we couldn’t put the book down. Sunyuh’s narrative stood out for many of us, as it was deeply moving and eye-opening. Once we were immersed, we were hooked until the very last page. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with emotional depth and a strong focus on women’s stories. We highly recommend it for book clubs looking for a thought-provoking and discussion-worthy read! The vibrant and striking cover art drew us in and we were all excited to display it on our shelves.”
Book Bags: "The overwhelming response from our group was: 'I loved this novel. I loved everything about it!”'Stone Angel captivated us with its powerful storytelling. This novel explores the lives of a Korean family living in the United States, focusing on the relationships between daughters, mothers, sisters, and wives. It also sheds light on the harrowing history of thousands of young Korean women forced into sexual slavery during WWII. The intricate lives of Gongju, her four daughters, and Gongju’s sister, Sunyuh-unni, were beautifully depicted throughout the book.
Our discussion lasted nearly three hours as we delved into the role of women in Asian culture and reflected on parallels in our own lives. We deeply appreciated the historical insights into these tragic events, hidden from public consciousness for years.
Each member received an invitation with a blank puzzle piece, asking them to share a quote or theme that resonated with them. When assembled, our pieces formed the image of a stone angel, symbolizing the book’s key themes. One often-cited quote was: 'To speak of someone is to remember them so they don’t disappear.' This phrase, originally about mothers who wouldn’t speak of their daughters taken into slavery, became a broader reflection on honoring women’s contributions and accomplishments.
Another notable moment from the discussion centered on Angelina’s boyfriend’s remark: “What about duty to yourself? It’s not inherently selfish to think of yourself first. It can be a good thing.” This struck a chord, highlighting the difficulty many women face in recognizing their self-worth and prioritizing their own needs. Another poignant theme was the way daughters inherit and internalize their mothers’ pain, creating cycles of generational hardship. Sunyuh, Gongju’s sister who endured unimaginable suffering as a 'comfort woman' offers Angelina profound advice: while women cannot control men’s cruelty or societal norms, they can control their reactions. This message resonated deeply, as every woman in the story struggles to escape past influences and find an authentic self.
A recurring theme in our discussion was the cultural expectation for women to suppress their desires to please parents, spouses, or society. Gongju, a central character, longed to become a writer but sacrificed that dream after marriage, believing she must achieve success vicariously through her husband and children, 'like all good Korean women were expected to do.' We reflected on how this image of women—expected to set aside their own aspirations for the sake of others—has echoed through our personal experiences and across many cultures. We strongly recommend Stone Angels, which provides a powerful reminder of the value of women’s desires, accomplishments, and voices— and offers historical insights and a compelling examination of women’s roles and resilience."
Menu: “Food plays a significant role in the novel, symbolizing women’s strength and identity. When Gongju divorced, she reclaimed her identity through meals she loved, like hearty tofu and seafood stew. Similarly, Angelina’s connection with Heinrich highlighted the idea that 'carrying on generations of a family through food” is an “act of love.' Our discussion focused on food as a symbol of individual identity and positive family interactions. Each member shared a dish, recipe, or story tied to a woman’s legacy. For Kim, it was her mother’s homemade apple strudel, a tradition captured in a photo book as the family gathered to make it together. Betsy shared how her mother-in-law taught her to can dill pickles, a tradition she’s passed down to her children and grandchildren, with 25–30 quarts canned each fall for 20 years in Gert’s memory. Kathy, a teacher, recalled making Christmas gifts with her students. Though the “easy” peanut brittle recipe her colleague mentioned was never found, Kathy improvised with a microwave and hot plates, creating 50 boxes of peanut brittle with the kids—a tradition she fondly remembers.”
Lincoln Square Book Club, Chicago, Illinois, Books N Cooks, Elk Grove, California; Teachers Talking Tales, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Epicurean Readers, Fremont, California
TARTUFO by Kira Jane Buxton (Grand Central, 1/25)
A cast of colorful characters in a dying Italian village and a giant truffle that changes their fate forever.
Epicurean Readers: “The group loved the variety of characters in TARTUFO, their relationship, and how seemingly the truffle which initially would seem to be the heart of the story, is a catalyst to getting to know all these wonderful people. The food-focused angle of this book and the subject matter were excellent for our group. We recommend it to those who enjoy cultural escapes, Italian heritage, and colorful characters.”
Menu: "Aperol spritz cocktails, antipasto, caprese salad, porcini truffle risotto, pork ragu (in lieu of wild boar ragu!) with pappardelle, eggplant parmigiana, tiramisu, ciambella cake, gelato, Italian wines."
Lincoln Square: "Everyone enjoyed TARTUFO and commented the imagery was so rich, they could see, smell, or feel like we were there.As a group that loves travel, we appreciated the setting. Many of us have been to Tuscany and appreciated the imagery. We spoke about how the small towns we’ve been to are vibrant and touristy, and we found it interesting to hear about a struggling town. We recommend TARTUFO to those who enjoy stories about quirky characters in a beautiful but difficult setting.“
Teachers Talking Tales: "This was a great surprise and the match was perfect! We read across genres and this big, messy character dram-com fit right in with our varied choices. Readers loved the Italian setting, the interconnectedness of characters, and the madcap adventure of it all. It spoke both to quiet and loud readers. We recommend it to those who enjoy big romps with laughter and heart."
Books N Cooks: "A great match as we all love food, travel, different cultural experiences, and historical fiction We enjoyed the character development, the story made me feel as if I were in the village. When we travel, we like to explore off-the-beaten paths and get to know the locals. I also loved the animals —Al Pacino the cat and Mauricio the donkey. The story sparked conversations about our travels to Italy and food. One member commented that they like the juxtaposition of old and new such as the old barn and village and Zoom calls."
Between Friends, Easton, Pennsylvania and Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey
THE CHRISTMAS INN by Pamela Kelley (St. Martins’s Press, 9/24)
A tale of second chances, family bonds, and rekindled romance set in a cozy Cape Cod inn during the magical Christmas season
Between Friends: “Members enjoyed this charming, feel-good holiday read— a good match as we enjoy women’s fiction, beach locations, and theme meetings”
We loved the author’s engaging writing style, relatable characters, and the positive, heartwarming message about finding where you belong and embracing change.
"We found the novel’s themes around life’s disappointments—job loss, relationship shifts, and the challenge of learning to trust again after being hurt—deeply relatable. The idea that disappointment can sometimes lead to a better, unexpected path resonated with many of us. We appreciated how Kelley allowed the characters to navigate complex emotions like sadness, loneliness, and the resilience of facing life’s challenges.
Menu: “We recreated the Christmas theme from the novel’s cozy bed and breakfast. Our table was set with festive red plates, wine glasses, and an assortment of dishes including quiche, blueberry French toast casserole, scones and muffins, Prosecco, evening wine and cheese, and boxes of truffles as favors, mirroring the ones placed on pillows each night at the inn in the story.”
Book Club Girls: “Absolutely perfect for anyone looking for small town, second chance, family driven, warm and fuzzy holiday feels. This was our second Pamela Kelley book and everyone enjoyed it. We discussed the setting, a favorite part of the book One member loves the Chatham setting so much she posted links to the Chatham Lighthouse, Edaville Family Theme Park and the Chatham Candy manor. Many members have not visited Chatham and we discussed taking a road trip next year
We enjoyed the characters—and the ending. Members said the novel put them in the Christmas spirit., and perfect for a night in with your favorite hot beverage and warm slippers, and a blanket! The food descriptions made us wish we were guests at the Inn.”
Menu: “We suggest a hot cocoa and dessert bar or wine and cheese night as a tribute to the gatherings at the Inn.”
Famished for Fiction, Frisco, Texas; Literary Ladies' Society, Belvidere/Rockford, Illinois; Colonies Book Club, Yorkville, Illinois; Epicurean Reads, Fremont, California
THE WHISPER SISTER by Jennifer Brown (Lake Union, 9/24)
In Prohibition-era New York, a young immigrant girl navigates the hardships of Ellis Island and runs her family's speakeasy as she learns that the streets of New York are not paved with gold.
Famished for Fiction: “We truly enjoyed this historical fiction. We love historical fiction and stories highlighting the struggles and successes of women. We discussed America being the land of opportunity for many people but the struggles ensuing as families try to achieve the American dream. Minnie is in a difficult situation caring for her sisters after the death of their mother. Reading about her struggle to do what was best for them was gut-wrenching. We cheered her on as she took over her father's speakeasy and made it lucrative. We were intrigued by the concept of the speakeasy and its role in 1940s America."
Menu: "We met at a speakeasy in Frisco, Texas for cocktails in honor of our book."
The Colonies: "We were captivated by this marvelous story set in the Prohibition era, unanimously giving it a five-star rating. Jennifer joined our meeting virtually and shared her journey to writing The Whisper Sister, inspired after stumbling upon the term ‘whisper sisters’ and becoming intrigued by the Prohibition era. Our club has a particular interest in the 1920s and 1930s, as these were transformative decades for the nation and especially for women.
Jennifer’s research on Prohibition and the secretive world of speakeasies was fascinating. She explained the challenges of crafting this story, including her in-depth newspaper research about Speakeasy Nights, a news column from the Prohibition era. Hearing how such a “secret” was also publicly known was eye-opening. We especially appreciated her insights into the Jewish and Italian mobsters of the time and the corruption within law enforcement.
A standout for us was Millie, the main character, and her bravery in stepping into roles typically reserved for men during a time when women’s rights were limited. In today’s cultural context, reflecting on the hard-won rights of women that are still under scrutiny made this especially relevant.
Jennifer was warm, engaging, and insightful, and we thoroughly enjoyed her book and our conversation with her. We look forward to exploring more of her work. We recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong characters and heart."
Menu: Mary Pickford cocktails paired beautifully with potato knishes and pickles.
Literary Ladies' Society: "This era and setting were new for us, offering a fresh glimpse into immigrant family life and the Prohibition era. Despite some of Minnie’s poor choices, she emerged as a likable and resilient character. We also contrasted the urban Prohibition experience with the rural lives of our ancestors. The extent of Jennifer Brown’s research for this book was impressive and enhanced our appreciation."
Menu: "Borscht, potato knishes, challah bread, babka, and perekladanets along with the mock cocktails recipe provided."
Epicurean Readers: “We had a lively discussion, This was a great pick, especially for those of us who enjoy historical fiction. We discussed immigration. the interaction between characters, the difficult decisions Minnie needs to make, the historical interest of speakeasies, organized crime, and the depression. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction about old New York City and organized crime."
Menu: “We feasted on excellent food revolving around the books' theme: bagels with fixings, knishes, roasted chicken, cabbage, challah bread, pastrami, lokshen kugel, chopped chicken liver, several salads, veggies, and cocktails: The Mary Pickford, Manhattans."
The Literary Lovelies Book Club of Yonkers, New York; Ranch Readers Book Club of Littleton, Colorado
EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE by Natalie Jenner (St. Martin's Press, 5/14)
A novel about love and art, grief and memory, and confronting the past and facing the future.
The Literary Lovelies: “We loved the period and the Italian location was incredible! In 1955, Vivien Lowry encountered a pivotal moment in her life. Despite the initial success of her play in London’s West End, harsh reviews crush her theatrical dreams. With her future uncertain, she heeds her friend Peggy Guggenheim’s advice and embarks on a journey to Rome’s Cinecitta Studios, where she dives into the bustling world of filmmaking. Amidst rising stars and acclaimed directors, Vivien navigates a landscape torn between past struggles and future promise, all while confronting personal demons from World War II and the mystery surrounding her late fiancé.
"The novel led to a great discussion. We discussed the influence of the Catholic Church, especially in such a religious country as Italy. We were fascinated by the David plotline and the Hollywood celebrities sprinkled throughout the book. would recommend this book to book clubs who love historical fiction with a Hollywood twist."
Ranch Readers: “EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE was intriguing, a complex and character-rich historical fiction novel that led to a lively book club discussion. We were enlightened by the story's depiction of Rome's La Cinecitta, the world’s second-largest movie studio. We learned about the Italian resistance fighters, a topic that we had not read much about before, which led to a lengthy discussion about fascism, and the displaced persons camp that the movie studio was used for.
We felt one of the most endearing characters in the book was Levi Bassano, a New York scriptwriter and a WWII soldier whose story led to his recounting of not just the prejudice and fears that Italians of Jewish heritage faced, but also the post-war investigations being held in America, and the child he was able to help survive during one of the battles in Italy. We were also shocked at the Cardinal Marchetti's ultimate secret and how the Vatican handled it. Many subplots made us stop reading to ponder. We found the character development and their interactions to be quite captivating. The author blended real Hollywood and Italian movie stars, producers, directors, and writers of the 1950s with fictional ones and gave them intricate personalities and histories. We were inspired to read Ms. Jenner's first novels, especially as we are all fans of Jane Austen and had not read THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY."
Menu: "Italian theme: Italian Almond Torte and Lemon Ricotta Pie and espresso."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan
STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE by Lisa Gardner Grand Central, 3/24)
Frankie Elkin is an expert at finding the missing persons that the rest of the world has forgotten, but even she couldn’t have anticipated this latest request—to locate the long-lost sister of a female serial killer facing execution in three weeks’ time.
Book Club Girls of Sparta: We love suspenseful thrillers, and STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE was a great introduction to this new to most of us author. The most intriguing aspect of the story was how many characters risked their safety with immediate medical, transport, and communication issues to work on an island resort project. Additionally, many readers noted Kaylee's remarkable ability to manipulate those around her. The feedback from our members was positive. The vivid descriptions of the island made a few readers feel as though they were living there. Many of us finished the book in just a few days and found it to be the perfect escape-read —perfect for the beach. We agreed that suspending disbelief was necessary to fully enjoy the story. The cover was beautiful, and we were thrilled to hold a finished copy in our hands."
Book Club Girls of Sparta: “We suggest crab cake appetizers, spicy spaghetti bolognese, and a deep rich red wine to give a nod to the events in the book and the famous poke bowl."
Reading Between the Wines: “We enjoyed STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE. The propulsive plot kept us going!”We love thrillers so this was a great match for our book club. The novel promoted much discussion about generational trauma, the lack of attention given to missing girls of Hawaiian descent, and the itinerant lifestyle of Frankie Elkin, among other topics. We recommend to those who enjoy fast-paced thrillers and strong female characters.”
Menu: “Poké bowls from a local restaurant, The Poké Bar in honor of the book’s setting. We also served pineapple and coconut macarons."
The Grim Readers, Eastford, Connecticut; Boy's Book Club, San Jose, California; Hamilton High School Staff Book Club, Hamilton, Michigan; Wendy’s Book Club, Malibu, California; OverReaders Anonymous, Cumming, Georgia; Kings Chapel Book Club, Arrington Tennessee
A CALAMITY OF SOULS by David Baldacci (Grand Central, 4/24)
A mystery set in southern Virginia in 1968 about a racially-charged murder case.
Grim Readers: "Every member loved A CALAMITY OF SOULS!The serious Baldacci fans in the group were excited to get early copies of his newest book There was much to discuss, especially in dissecting the differences between civil rights and racism in the 60s and now. Baldacci nailed the racist vibe of small-town 1968. Violence, hypocrisy, and injustice are forefront, but so is kindness. The relationships between the white male lawyer (Jack) and the Black female lawyer (Desiree) show a powerhouse team despite color and cultural differences. Also, we questioned whether the case would have gone so well if it was just one or the other lawyer handling it, as opposed to both of them. This was my first Baldacci book and I'm now a fan. It was never boring, and I flew through the thick book in two days. I see what the fuss is about."
Boy's Book Club of San Jose: “The captivating plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting provided ample fodder for discussion, and we debated the novel's themes long into the evening." - “The novel introduces readers to retired detective John Miller, whose peaceful retirement is shattered by a series of macabre murders. Miller is a compelling protagonist, his internal struggles and haunted past adding depth to the story. As middle-aged men, we found his journey of redemption and self-discovery particularly resonant, and we appreciated Baldacci's nuanced portrayal of his character. Baldacci's wove together elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. The pacing was brisk, with each twist and turn left us eager to learn the truth behind the town's dark secrets and reminded us of how much we appreciate a good mystery.”
“Hamilton Michigan) High School Staff: "A phenomenal match! A CALAMITY OF SOULS was a perfect choice for our group of educators, including many history and literature teachers. This was the first reading selection members unanimously gave a book a 5-star review. Everyone loved the novel. We noted the allusions to To Kill a Mockingbird with comments such as, ‘it felt like a modern-day twist to the book.’ The story evoked strong reactions and personal connections were shared. Much of the discussion centered on race. It sparked conversations about how far our country has come and we still have to go. This is a powerful book for all people to read.
Wendy’s Book Club: “We grew up in the 1960s and 70s but were still young during the time the book took place. Most of us are from the South, and we found it shocking to read the descriptions of unfairness and cruelty” .
“This was a great match for us as we enjoy thrillers. Our most lively discussion topics were about the treatment of Blacks during this time. We found the treatment of Blacks abhorrent—It was fine for them to serve their White bosses but not use the facilities in the homes where they worked all day. Also, how the racial divide caused by Jim Crow laws continued, despite them being overturned, and the lengths the opposition went to during the trial to set up Jerome Washington. We all enjoyed the book and were saddened by the story. The ending was completely unexpected. We recommend to those who enjoy courtroom dramas and historical fiction.”
Menu: "Pot roast (mentioned in the book) with all the fixings, biscuits, and bundt cake for dessert."
OverReaders Anonymous: A CALAMITY OF SOULS was a great match for our book club and a timely read. Everyone enjoyed the book. A timely read as we continue to face racism and racially motivated crimes in our country We appreciated looking at this period through the author’s eyes and research. We discussed our perspective on racism as we experienced growing up in different parts of the country. We thought the first chapter was powerful as Jerome was arrested and this scene immediately connected history to the present and helped initiate our discussion. We discussed how people are resistant to change how it is hard to take a stand for what is right, and the barriers that stand in the way of social justice. We discussed the most compelling character in the book, Hilda Lee, and her transformation—she changed significantly when she moved and her relocation altered her values and behaviors. Recommended for those who enjoy well-developed characters, good storytelling, courtroom dramas, and historical fiction set in the late 1960s."
King's Chapel “Our book club found A CALAMITY OF SOULS, set in Virginia in the late 1960s, to be an excellent match. We enjoy historical fiction and are located in the South, which made the book's themes particularly resonant. Our members come from diverse backgrounds, and this sparked rich discussion about racial tensions in the South, both during the 60s and up to the present day. One member, originally from the North, learned a great deal about the Southern experience. We noted many similarities to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and John Grisham’s A Time to Kill.
The author’s note highlights the personal journey and extensive research that went into the book, which was evident in the detailed narrative. Our discussions touched on challenging topics such as racism, women’s rights, classism, and the progress made and yet to be achieved in these areas. We highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction set in the Jim Crow era South.”
Menu: "Southern food—fried chicken, coleslaw, cucumber salad, banana bread, buffalo chicken dip, various desserts."
TBR Book Club, Charlotte, North Carolina; Chapter by Chapter, Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri
THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS by Tracey Garvis Graves (St. Martins Press, 3/24)
A novel about two lost souls finding the unexpected courage to love again.
Chapter by Chapter: “THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS was a good match, and resulted in much discussion! Everyone liked the book's premise: two broken-hearted souls seeking solace outdoors while geocaching. While no members have geocached, several were interested in trying it. We talked about how trauma and PTS can cloud one’s judgment, affect their ability to make rational decisions, communicate with others, and affect their ability to develop healthy relationships. A few members have fostered/adopted children and could relate to Wren’s strong desire to form a connection with Birdie’s half-siblings.
One member raved about the author's novels ON THE ISLAND and A GIRL HE USED TO KNOW, and we have added these selections to our ‘want to read’ list! We were divided on how the plot played out, which led to a great discussion! A light and easy perfectly paced book with well-developed characters.“
Menu: "Skyline Chili—two, three, or four ways! We also had sausage and mushroom pizza (the member who brought it refused to order ham and pineapple on half. As a nod to the multiple breakfast scenes, the dessert was croissant bread pudding topped with maple syrup."
Happy Bookers: “We admired Wren’s resilience and fortitude in putting forth, and staying with, what was best for her and her life, having learned from her past heartaches. Her bravery and strength in forging forward amidst her adversities were hailed as great attributes- could we have done the same in her shoes was a point of discussion. Marshall’s gentleness and understanding while dealing with his own issues and sorrows won us over repeatedly. There is depth to this story and the choices opened up much to discuss. We were familiar with geocaching but did not know much about it. A member provided a cache with the motorcycle that was key in the story. The same member and her family hiked frequently and provided pictures of Crater Lake and many things that were staples within the trail life portrayed in this story. We were rooting for Wren and Marshall. It was heartening to us to see the good in Marshall. THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS reigns high among our top reads for the relationship that unfolds. Recommended for those who enjoy a romantic venture with depth and with a setting and premise to learn much from. A member’s cozy log home by the fireplace was the perfect place to discuss the hiking adventures of these two who tried their hand at geocaching in beautiful areas of the United States."
Menu: “Pizza played a role within the romance—our hostess served pizza and a delicious salad.”
TBR Book Club: “We had a great discussion, including what we would have felt in Wren's circumstance, and when/if we would have done things following her timeline, such as sharing with Marshall about being pregnant or waiting like she did, or visiting her ex’s widow to establish that relationship especially so early. Members held varying perspectives, making the discussion engaging. The read was swift and straightforward, yet it possessed depth."
Lit Ladies, Melbourne, Florida; Tequila Mockingbird, Massapequa Park, New York; Literary Lounge, Clovis, California; Spines & Wines, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
BYE, BABY by Carola T. Lovering (St. Martins Press, 3/24)
A novel about female friendship, a missing baby, and the toxic, secret history between two women.
Thrillers by the Book Club: “Our book club reads thrillers, and, recently delved into BYE, BABY, an engaging read, perfect for our interests. We were hooked by the first chapter involving the main character and a baby. the discussions within our group were rich and varied. Part of our conversation centered on friendship, particularly the complexities of long-standing relationships from childhood. We explored how friendships evolve, sometimes leading to a natural drift apart, yet a lingering sense of care remains. The book led us to reflect on our experiences with seemingly one-sided friendships and how we've navigated them. Billie's intense fixation on Cassie initially struck us as excessive, but as the story unfolded and revealed her past traumas, we understood her motivations better. Our discussions also touched on how these traumas influenced Billie's determination to sustain her friendship with Cassie, despite the latter's manipulative and self-centered nature. Members were eager to recommend the book to others, especially those who enjoy themes including complicated friendships, the use of dual perspectives, and timelines."
Literary Lounge: “So thankful for the opportunity to read BYE, BABY We really enjoyed it, and couldn’t put it down! A perfect match for our book club! We all enjoyed this story of a toxic friendship, the influencer culture, and how it can change people. We appreciated the story's timeline and how it went back and forth between the origin of Cassie and Billie’s friendship to their current status as friends We discussed how ridiculous people can get with influencers and that whole culture. We recommend to those who enjoy books about toxic friendships.”
Spines & Wines: “The short chapters including the dual points of view and timelines, kept us intrigued as the story unravels their friendship throughout the years. The author perfectly depicts events that pulled their friendship apart and revealed the deepest secrets that bonded Cassie and Billie together. We all liked and hated Billie and Cassie at different points throughout the novel. The most interesting topics were the scenario questions that the book prompted. For example, the role of social media, materialism, Grant’s view of his wife’s business, and defining a healthy friendship! We wanted more details to unravel juicier minor storylines. Recommended for those who enjoy stories about toxic friendships, alternating timelines, and suspense novels!"
Lit Ladies Read: "Alternating points of view made this a page-turner. We also loved that social media is a huge part of the story We all enjoyed this easy read that was a thought-provoking look at friendship and motherhood. This book was character-driven, and we had a lengthy discussion about Billie and Cassie. We discussed our initial thoughts of each character and how these thoughts changed as we learned their stories. We agreed that we didn’t like Cassie in the beginning and our dislike of Cassie only grew over time. While with Billie, we grew to like her more as the story progressed. Even though Billie did something terrible, we felt for her and did not want to see her get caught or get in trouble. We appreciated how the ending wrapped up the story We recommend to those who enjoy dramas about friendship."
Sisterhood Book Club, Macon, Georgia; Beth El Synagogue Book Club, Omaha Nebraska; Newly Revisioned Bookclub, St. Albans, Vermont; Key Women Educators, Villages, Florida; Teachers Who Read, Columbus, Ohio
ADAM UNREHEARSED by Don Futterman (Post Hill Press, 11/23)
A coming-of-age comedy set in New York in 1970— a story of friendship, betrayal, life, death, and acting,
Beth El Synagogue: “A Perfect match! We were all impressed by the writing style and content, especially for a debut novel Truly a 5Many of our members grew up in the NYC area and were very family with locations, schools mentioned, and curriculum! We could all relate to the 1970 time frame and recall the events highlighted in the narrative.
The highlight of our discussion was connecting with the author, Don Futterman, by Zoom. He graciously spoke for a long time about the background and content of the book and answered our questions, reminisced about growing up in 1970's NYC and the freedom children experienced then. We discussed his friends, family, synagogue how he decided to move to Israel, and his thoughts on the current situation. It was a fantastic opportunity to read and meet the author. Recommended for those who enjoy a coming of age story and learning about Jewish life in NYC 1970s”
Menu: In honor of Adam's Bar Mitzvah, we served a dessert buffet.
Newly Revisioned: “ADAM UNREHEARSED was a great match for our book club, and provided fodder for great discussion. Members felt the issues rang true for the community and enjoyed exploring them alongside the main character. We all loved that Adam became so immersed in the theater, and appreciated the power it had to help him find his own way, make new friends, and explore his confusing world through a piece of literature. The scenes from DAWN were so vividly described that we could feel the scene unfolding before our very eyes. We also agreed that the development of Adam's character was spot-on. We REALLY liked him— such a big heart!" Recommended for those who enjoy books about young adults with a social message.”
Sisterhood: “We delved into Adam's emotional journey, particularly focusing on his feelings of betrayal when his friends ostracized and bullied him, especially after his attempt to steal comic books resulted in getting caught on his first foray into wrongdoing. We also explored social shifts, such as the changing seating plans for his bar mitzvah, and the ebb and flow of friendships, with old ones dissolving and new ones forming. Through trials, Adam emerged with increased self-esteem and eventually reconciled with his friends, despite the initial confusion and hurt caused by their unexpected hostility.”
Teachers Who Read: “We liked Adam and the 1970s time period. Education was very different at that time and as teachers, we like to compare and contrast! None of us participated in theater growing up so that was fun to read about, along with the educational aspect. We discussed What schools looked like in the '70s and how different it is from the world without cell phones and technology. We all liked it and had many scenes stayed with us. This book has many discussion points as Adam matures in the coming-of-age story so it's perfect for book club! Recommended for those who enjoy books that lead to much discussion and have a main character you are rooting for!”
Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas, and Circle of Readers Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
HENDERSON HOUSE by Caren Simpson McVicker
A boardinghouse tale of sisters, secrets, and later-in-life romance (8/1/23, Inkshares)
Carrollton Book Buddies: "We unanimously loved HENDERSON HOUSE and are anxiously awaiting the sequel!" Our club especially enjoyed the storytelling Caren weaves into the plot and the suspense of family secrets and sister loyalty. One of the threads in the novel is women in the workplace in the early 1940s. We discussed jobs women from past generations have held, from millinery shops in south Texas to restaurants in Germany! We shared our versions of ‘self-talk,’ kitchen ladies from church, the supporting roles of the ‘menfolk’ and their impact on the story, and sister relationships.
Henderson House is a relaxing respite from the busy world we live in. The novel is a flashback to 1940s Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and the simpler life of Wednesday night church suppers, Saturdays at the local cinema, and Sunday walks in the park after church. Based on family history and stories, Caren’s main character, Mildred Henderson, turns her grand home into a boarding house after the unexpected death of her husband. Mrs. H. and her beagle, Louie, captivate readers as she uses her special gifts— sensing houses and seeing a person’s color and an interview checklist to choose her tenants. Frank Davis, a newly hired petroleum engineer at Philips Petroleum, checks all the boxes, changing the lives of the other boarders, the Blackwell family. In a few weeks, readers fall in love with Mrs. H.’s wisdom and Frank’s mild-mannered, genuine interest in the family, but most importantly his attraction to spinster Bessie, and where their friendship might lead. Dinners around the table with boarders recounting the day’s activities, unique recipes shared, and even cooking lessons make food and conversation tantalizing.
We recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction set in mid-20th century America."
Menu: "From the author’s HENDERSON HOUSE Recipe Collection: Appetizers—The Oklahoma Club Special, Edna’s Award-Winning Deviled Eggs, and Corn & Bean Salad with lime dressing."
Main course salads—Waldorf, Cucumber & Tomato, and Chicken
Dessert— Mrs. H’s White Cake Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting. The ‘take-away’ gift—a Boarder Interview Kit: a teapot filled with a stack of homemade almond shortbread cookies and lemon tea."
Circle of Readers: “While we rarely agree on the merits of a book, everyone in the group enjoyed the novel—its characters, family stories, and the Oklahoma setting of HENDERSON HOUSE! We found the family stories engaging, but HENDERSON HOUSE also addresses some tough topics: sexual harassment, women in the workplace, unwed pregnancy, family dynamics, and prejudice against the Cherokees. We also enjoyed discussing the characters themselves and what motivates them., and the opportunity to meet with the author on Zoom, Recommended for those who enjoy family stories, a bit of magic, and charming characters. Thank you for such great opportunities to meet authors and read good books."
Menu: "Everyone enjoyed the tasty Knobby Apple Cake from the author’s website."
Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey; Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Blu Stocking Lit Society, West Allis Wisconsin
ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL by Susan Meissner (Berkley Pub, 2023)
A novel about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter and the terrible injustice that tears them apart.
Blu Stockings Lit Society: “ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL had difficult topics to read about, but the novel provided a deep foundation for discussion.”We were not aware of eugenics in this country continuing into the 1970s. This book was well-researched and provided enough information that you could look further into our country’s history in pursuing and maintaining policies on forced sterilization. The themes of power/weakness, strength, and compliance versus complacency were a focus for our group. We discussed complacency as a weakness of character resulting in compliant behavior—if you don’t speak or act out you could be considered in support. Drawing from a historical perspective at this time in history we are all very complacent and history could easily be repeated. Additional topics of discussion included eugenics today and how decisions are being made regarding genetic technology, gene editing and embryo engineering. Several members in work in health care which also led to talk about inequality in access and information and how that impacts the choices available to individuals. We discussed how many events have occurred over time that one may not be aware of. One of the great benefits of reading is continuing learning for life. We recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction with strong historical components that lead to a robust discussion.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta: “We enjoyed our discussion about this thought-provoking and emotional book.” - We are taken on a journey of family, motherhood, and a fight to keep a child that faces unbearable challenges during this time in history, shifting between California in 1938 at a family-owned vineyard and Europe in 1947.
We enjoy historical fiction when we learn history that none of us were aware of. None of us knew what synesthesia was, and we had heard of eugenics because we read other books that explored this subject. For many, it was difficult to read because of the portrayal of suffering during the war and when people just didn't accept others who were different.
We discussed the options for at women and young girls at this time in history and the ability to make their own choices. That there was so much evil and so few tried to help and do what was right impacted us. We felt the main thread of the book was about family and how the deep desire to find a feeling of home, love, and safety is universal. Everyone felt they learned a lot and was interested in other titles by Susan Meissner."
Menu: "California wine and rich desserts you would find in Vienna. We met at Sparta Classic Diner for dinner and decadent desserts."
Literary Lovelies: ”We all loved ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL. Our book club loves historical fiction and we all enjoyed the multiple storylines."- This story was particularly heartbreaking, especially for the mothers in our group. We have met monthly for over 3 years and this was our first repeat author! We love Susan Meissner and this was our favorite GalleyMatch yet.
We had a good discussion regarding the period, if people would want another mouth to feed coming out of the Great Depression. We also discussed the family dynamics. It was eye-opening that this happened. In our day of a woman’s right to choose, it was devastating to see that these women were sterilized without any say at all or even knowledge of what was happening. Although this was set against the backdrop of World War II it was a very different tale about this period. Meissner has a way of pulling the reader into the characters’ lives, leaving you thinking about them long after the book has been read. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, heavy subjects, and books that take you out of your comfort zone."
Boys Book Club, San Jose California; Between the Lines, Woolwich, New Jersey Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
GENEVA by Richard C. Armitage (Pegasus 10/23)
A bold and unpredictable debut thriller set in Switzerland's biotech world (and deceptive beauty), by acclaimed actor Richard Armitage.
Boys Book Club:“ We enjoyed GENEVA, a page-turner! We found ourselves engrossed in a discussion about the complex themes in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, global intrigue, and the chilling notion of brain implants that seem all too real. These topics and the ethical dilemmas presented in the book sparked an interesting conversation. We enjoyed the characters and the author’s vivid descriptions. Those who listened to the audio version narrated by Richard Armitage, Nicola Walker, and Jane Perry highly recommended it.
Menu: “Cheese fondue, Toblerone chocolate. Two beers: Forgotten Thoughts and Stranger than Fiction"
Reading Between the Wines: “GENEVA was a great match for our book club. We love reading mysteries and thrillers and this fast-paced thriller set in Geneva, Switzerland in the world of biotech research, had some great red herrings to keep us interested and intrigued. We discussed the biotech world and the ethics surrounding new discoveries. We also discussed the dynamics between Sarah and her husband Daniel, and how her career as a Nobel prize-winning scientist affected their relationship We enjoyed discussing GENEVA!. Lots of red herrings and a great twist kept the conversation going!"
Menu: "Chocolate fondue with fruit and cookies, cheese fondue and bread, mulled wine, and Toblerone!"
Between the Lines: "We were wowed that GENEVA is Richard’s debut novel—the last 20 minutes of the book had us on the edge of our seats!”-“We all enjoyed, this fast-paced thriller read. GENEVA dives into Alzheimer’s, family dynamics, and the biotech industry. It was a roller coaster ride. We have family members with medical illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and we’re interested in the biotech part of the story. We loved the ending and couldn’t get over how it unfolded—it was our favorite part. We recommend GENEVA to book clubs that enjoy a heart-pumping, edge-of-your-seat ending. Richard Armitage narrates the male POV, so get the audio and give your ears a true treat."
Menu: "Fondue with Swiss cheese, as book is set in Switzerland"
Romancing the Hearthstone, Rogers Arkansas; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri; Legacy Literary Ladies, The Villages, Florida
STREET CORNER DREAMS by Florence Reiss Kraut (SheWrites, 11/23)
A novel about Golda, who comes to America yearning for independence before World War I, but tosses aside her dreams of freedom and marries her widowed brother-in-law after her sister dies giving birth to their son.
Romancing the Hearthstone: “We all gave STREET CORNER DREAMS five stars!. We adored it. Most members couldn’t put it down and read it in two days. They loved the writing style and commented that the pacing was great for historical fiction— a page-turner. This was a wonderful story told from the perspective of an immigrant. The novel made us feel so grateful for what we have. The discussion centered on how weak Ben was and how strong Goulda and Sarah were. Members were invested in this story and wanted a sequel to know what happens to Morty.”
Legacy Literary Ladies: “Most members enjoyed STREET CORNER DREAMS from the onset, but ended up loving the novel. As the characters developed, the story was very believable, and I hated to see it end, with engaging twists and turns. It is an emotionally charged story that reads easily and is well crafted. A vivid portrayal of the immigrant experience with believable, vivid. characters and an engaging story that we all felt a connection to.
Menu: Potato latkes
Happy Bookers: "STREET CORNER DREAMS was full of historical events, family drama with struggles, perseverance, and romance. The surprises and twists in various storylines kept our discussion going!"-The characters will long live in our reading memories: Golda, Ben, Morty, Anna, Sylvia, Surah, and Esther. The difficulties and struggles of these immigrants as they faced the events of the Great Depression, the Spanish Flu, and World War 1 provide an influx of social history surrounding their lives. It was intriguing to read the family mysteries surrounding those characters, who are working toward their dreams, as they work through their difficulties and challenges. Which loves will prevail amidst the pressures of war, the gangs, and economic factors of the day as they work to make their way in their new land?
We didn’t know much about the gangs of New York. Families and businesses faced many obstacles and were targeted by gang threats of paying protection fees to survive. A main discussion topic was comparing our lives and advantages to the hardships of our nation's newcomers. We wondered if we could withstand the modes of travel, lack of communication and job opportunities, and health crises with limited care with the same fortitude."
Menu: "Anna’s uncle Tony’s deli-inspired bread, salami, and Swiss cheese. We meet on the opening night of the Osage View restaurant overlooking beautiful rolling hills that many immigrants years ago came upon in settling in our county.
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Lit Happens, California, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Missouri
THE FARMER'S WIFE by Helen Rebanks (Harper Horizon, 9/23)
An honest portrait of rural life and an authentic exploration of both the hard work and reward of keeping a home and raising a family.
Ranch Readers: We loved this memoir and felt it was rare in that it was raw and practical. It made us remember our own trials and tribulations of courtship, career choice, having babies, and the hard work of being a mother and supportive wife. Although Helen experienced many changes in lifestyle she ultimately realized being a wife and mother were the most important aspects of her life and those choices made her the happiest. We enjoyed the recipes she so effortlessly executed, and we felt almost like a family member, getting to know the various individuals she wrote about so intimately and from her heart. A few members spoke about the long hours of work and almost constant attention needed to maintain farm animals that farming involves, and how every member of the family has to contribute to maintaining a farm, the loneliness they often experienced by living isolated on a large farm as children, but also the joys of sharing the rebirth every spring of the farm animals' young and planting season being completed. They also remembered the joys of harvest season when other farmers would gather to help each other and then celebrate by sharing a large meal together. We all enjoyed reading about how food and cooking were important to the author and spoke about the recipes we wanted to try as we discussed the book. We also discussed how family farms contribute the most to preserving sustainable practices and how important it is to support farmers, shepherds, and ranchers. The memoir encouraged us to think about writing our own life stories and including favorite family recipes. Recommended for those who enjoy reading honest memoirs, and being a wife and mother.”
Menu: “Helen's Lentil and Tomato Soup before our discussion--it was so delicious!—and her Lemon Drizzle Cake for dessert”
The Revivals: "We enjoy cooking and this book presented a wonderful opportunity for us to share our kitchen prowess by each of us preparing one or two dishes that came together as a shared dinner; family dinners being a priority for Helen. We discussed Helen's unique art and her enjoyment of creating a comfortable family home. We agree with Helen and share her enjoyment of home-cooked meals and family mealtimes. We discussed our own comfort levels with home births and marveled at Helen's thoughtfully made choices with her second child. We cheered for Helen when she perfectly described the many hats a stay-at-home mom wears and the feelings accompanying that life path. While possibly not given enough attention in the book, Helen writes with personal insight on the food choices we all should be paying more attention to and the farmers who provide our life-sustaining food. In clear and concise few short paragraphs, Helen has enlightened us on the importance of sustainable farming systems that encourage ‘good food from good farming.’. We recommend this book to those who enjoy coming of age, home cooking, memoirs, and women's studies. "
Menu: “Members chose and recreated recipes from the book: Smoked salmon rectangles, hummus and pita chips, frittata, field mushroom soup and croutons, easy chocolate cake, and panettone(bread and butter) pudding.”
Get Woke: "A magical evening! In honor of THE FARMER’S WIFE, and farm-to-table eating, we partnered with the Pleasant Grove Pizza- where host Emily creates unique pizzas with local and seasonal food, which enriched our discussion and palate. Rebanks reflects on her life revealing family struggles and relationships, the challenges of motherhood, and the stigma of honoring ‘small domestic things’ She champions the importance of the daily grind of domesticity. Her thoughts are enhanced by sketches, and family recipes are sprinkled throughout the book.
Chapter by Chapter Book Club of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri; Words!Women!Wine! of Brookfield, Wisconsin
THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY by Katherine A. Sherbrooke (Pegasus Books, 4/23)
The story of a runway model in 1940s Hollywood who makes a split-second decision intended to protect those she loves but triggers a cascade of secrets that threatens to upend her daughter’s life decades later.
Chapter by Chapter: "THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY was a great match. We really enjoy historical fiction and several members commented that they enjoyed the glimpse behind the scenes of the fashion industry in Hollywood. We were interested in how their lifestyle judged those involved in fashion and industry. Several members had read THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO and talked about the similarities between the two books. Told from the perspective of mother/daughter protagonists in dual time periods on opposite coasts, this one kept me turning the page late into the night. I didn’t expect to be so absorbed, but I highly recommend this read!"
Menu: "As a nod to Benny’s meatballs, our potluck included meatball pizza. Our drink was Caramel Apple Cider—a nod to the Berkshires, which was referenced in the novel."
Happy Bookers: “From the fabulous cover to the title to the main character’s name, we were intrigued! When we learned that the book was inspired by the author‘s mother, it added even more interest. THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY is a story of secrets, of decisions, and the consequences of those decisions, with surprising twists and entanglements that kept us reading to learn how the mother’s choices impact her daughter’s life. Learning about Hollywood particularly the fashion, and glamour of 1940s Hollywood to 1970s Broadway was fascinating. Our conversation focused on the difficulty of life-altering decisions and their outcomes. We discussed the bonds of the chosen family and the strength of love and loyalty. An interesting point was how the story involved a coming of age for both Aster and her daughter Lissy. Choices involving Lissy’s Broadway and Noah’s music careers gave us much to talk about. And no one saw a big twist coming! I have since listened to several of the author's interviews and love her background story for this book. We look forward to reading more of her books. We recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction about Hollywood, Broadway, and family drama."
Menu: “Our versions of Benny’s homemade meatballs and soup. When served, we commented on how this was the ultimate comfort food for this story.”
Words!Women!Wine!: "We all enjoyed this book and the strong female protagonists and both timeline plots. We had a great discussion with many viewpoints. We discussed Sam and Aster's relationship. Both characters seemed to have conflicting feelings, although the relationship had some redeeming qualities One member noted that Aster had made so many fabrications about her life, it was hard to keep her secrets straight. It was as if the fabrications were woven into her background, much like her early desire to be a fashion designer. Many of us liked that Aster moved from clothing to sculpture and felt that was a well-developed plot line.
We all agreed that the love story of Fernando and Benedict/Christopher was the best in the book. We discussed it must have been for gay celebrities in the 40s & 50s and even still today. We had not heard of the term ' avender scare’ which led us into a discussion of discrimination and profits and politics. It was interesting to us that both females fixated on their one true love - even though initially they both let them go. Many of us thought it was predictable that Christopher/Benny would die after the lead-up to that scene, but we were all shocked in the end that the death had been fake. We had a lot of discussions around the death, funeral, and new stories. Suggested for clubs that enjoy a female-centered novel with a lot of relationships and secrets.
Menu: "Prosecco and shrimp cocktail (very Hollywood) and followed that with a "Tivoli dinner of caesar salad, penne & meatballs. We had an Italian Love cake for dessert! "
St. Louis Lit Book Club, Missouri; Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Angry Book Club, Norwich, Connecticut
THE INTERN by Michele Campbell, (St. Martin’s Press, 10/23)
A young Harvard law student falls under the spell of a charismatic judge in this timely and thrilling novel about class, ambition, family, and murder.
St. Louis Lit Book Club: “As fall nears the perfect book to pick up is a thriller like THE INTERN, which was interesting from the beginning. and the action was not far-fetched, which was nice for a thriller. Having two points of view allowed our book club to choose which characters we liked most and why. There were many characters to keep track of, which added layers to the discussion. Legal thrillers were new to some, and the reaction was positive to receiving a new type of book we may not have otherwise picked. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers, and multi-character stories. and fast-paced mysteries."
Angry Book Club: We enjoyed THE INTERN! We are known for being pretty critical (hence the anger) but this book got thumbs up, and we especially enjoyed the end! This book had me turning pages, especially with the switched perspectives! There was much conversation about Madison’s indecisiveness, which annoyed some members, while others thought it made her more relatable. We also discussed whether Katherine was smart enough to escape her situation without taking the steps she did. Several of us live near, or have spent time in Boston, and really enjoyed the Boston descriptions and mentions of real restaurants and places —the characters actually drink Dunkin, take the T (and get off at real stops), and live in areas of the city that make sense. This led to a great discussion about books that successfully create a sense of place and the joy of reading books about places we have lived. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers.
Melanie's Book Club: "We all loved THE INTERN. It was a great match for our book club because it's rare for us to find a book that we all enjoy and this was that book! We had an excellent discussion about the book, specifically talking about the relationships among the characters in the book- and how they affected their decision-making. Being from the Midwest, we couldn't really relate to the mob connections, but we could relate to family difficulties and making difficult decisions regarding family members We had many discussions about our families and the different relationships, troubles, and decisions. We know each other well, but it was interesting to learn more and refreshing to hear that all families have issues and work through them in different ways. Recommended for those who enjoy conflict, suspense, and deciding how far you'll go to protect your family."
The Famished for Fiction Book Club of Frisco, Texas, Flagstaff Ladies Book Club, Arizona, Boozy Books Book Club and Kaukauna Wisconsin
YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 5/23)
A YA novel about Harriet Douglass, a teenager living with her historian father on a plantation turned enslaved people's museum, who must handle her feelings of anger when an actress who purchased the plantation next door, plans to turn it into an event venue.
Famished for Fiction: “We loved this multilayered story. The magnitude of all the things affecting Harriet led to a lot of thoughtful discussion. We gave it 5/5 stars!"
The setting of the book reminded us of Whitney Plantation in South Louisiana. We discussed the struggle that exists between the beauty of the plantation homes and grounds the acknowledgment of the horrors of slavery and the pain and suffering of the enslaved people that were forced against their will to build those homes and maintain those grounds. Is it possible to be in awe of those beautiful places and yet heartbroken by the pain that surrounds them?
The importance of seeing both sides of a story and acknowledging them is what leads to improvement in our relationships with people who are different from ourselves. Harriett spent much time caring for herself as her father was unable to do more than the bare minimum after the death of her mother. Harriett's anger with outsiders' inability to see, acknowledge, and respect the purpose of a landmark such as their plantation. We recommend this book to those who enjoy thought-provoking reads that have a different perspective from the 'norm. We are a diverse group of women who enjoy thought-provoking books that enhance our discussion and this was a great fit."
Menu: Down South Kitchen and Bakery for Southern food
Boozy Books: "Thank you for the match! We might not have read YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY otherwise. When a book makes you cry it’s automatically a great book .We liked the mix of the main character's naïveté and cynicism as the book progresses. We discussed toxic parenting and our perceptions of the adults, the character’s adjustments as they navigate issues, our appreciation of having a flawed main character, and the grace given to Layla but not the white friends she grew up with. We were interested in the 17-year-old perspective—and all the current social issues and cultural references, such as TikTok. 'What’s up with teen/middle school boys and frogs' stood out as an amusement.
We recommend this novel to clubs who enjoy contemporary social issue books, or DEAR MARTIN or THE HATE YOU GIVE.”
Flagstaff Ladies: “We all enjoyed this novel, which spurred much discussion about the South (none of us grew up there), plantations, tourist rentals, grief, and growing up a person of color in today's America. We also liked the main character because Harriet is such a teenager —more than half of us are moms of girls).
We live in a tourist town, so though the housing isn't all historic, there are wealthy outsiders who have second homes here, so the way Harriet bristles at the new neighbors resonated. The way she also kind of liked the new girl and determined she was human was also something a few of us could identify with. And her anger issues...not unfamiliar! It was a great trait to give Harriet, and we talked a bit about our own struggles with rage, as well as dealing with others who have trouble controlling theirs.
We have a significant Native-American presence in our city, so that is where we see discrimination, disrespect, and racism crop up, and we had a great discussion about how as women, we also see (and experience) these micro- or upfront- aggressions more readily than our male partners. We also discussed being in a bit of a bubble because it is a small city, and there are no obvious monuments to discrimination that we would drive by all the time (on the nearby reservation, yes). The discussion about grief was also interesting -- how do you remember your loved ones? Do you remember their last days or the rest of their lives? We had a debate about Dawn and what we would have thought about our daughters dating him, or a friend dating their childhood buddy. We liked him but realized we would have been protective of Harriet because she was not very savvy about relationships. We thought the story was well-written and it was nice that it didn't end with everything neatly resolved -- that was realistic. Recommended for those who enjoy novels about young adults, the South, and that discuss racism."
Menu: "One of our group stopped at fast food on the way to book club. Shout out to Harriet's dad!"
The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Woodlands Lunch and Books, Woodlands, Texas Get Woke, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado "
CHASING THE PANTHER: Adventures and Misadventures of a Cinematic Life Carolyn Pfeiffer with Gregory Collins (Harper Horizon, 6/23)
Film producer and early Hollywood female coming-of-age memoir, set against the backdrop of Fellini's Rome, French New Wave Paris, and Swinging London.
Get Woke: "CHASING THE PANTHER reads like a novel: encounters with the rich and famous; travels to exotic cities and countries, experiences, and success as a pioneering film producer and PR representative. We called Pfeiffer the ‘female Forrest Gump’'–Readers travel on a high-speed train rocketing through Pfeiffer’s coming-of-age adventures as she explores NYC and Europe during the turbulent 1960s-‘70s amidst the significant cultural shifts and the ascendance of the film industry. Pfeiffer vividly describes the art, culture, and society of post-war Europe and New York City. Her insights into the actors and film industry were fascinating. The film industry's growth is part of a larger story involving changing attitudes and paradigm shifts of the post-war years, a time when many of us also came of age. The introduction of the birth control pill and Pfeiffer’s romantic encounters mirrored the cultural changes. Book club invitations featured film strips. members were asked to become film directors: and select highlights from the book for a film preview. We discussed the changing role of women and Pfeiffer’s lifetime goal of ‘pushing boundaries’. She felt you had to ‘leave yourself behind’ to discover uniqueness. We were drawn to her comments on women’s status: the expectation that a woman’s role was to be worthy of a man. Her reply resonated: ‘Let no one ever call me worthy.’ Pfeiffer challenged the attitudes of patriarchy, the power of men, and the sensuality of women. Her adventures allowed us to experience the paradigm shifts occurring in the world—positive and negative We agreed her talents, opportunities, and personality allowed her to take advantage of this era, and the difficulty of duplicating this experience today."
Menu: "Honoring her European adventures: Caprese skewers, olives, goat cheese & figs, Pinot Grigio."
The Revivals: “CHASING THE PANTHER covers so many points of interest that it was easy for us to chat all the way through dessert!" We took turns reading and discussing Carolyn's numerous life reflections and insights - we highlighted dozens of quotes. We marveled at Carolyn's remarkable and brave life as she fearlessly pursued her goals. It felt like two books in one: Carolyn's honest and heartfelt observations about her experiences, and a comprehensive cinematic timeline from Europe to the United States. We focused on the former, but scholars will find a valuable resource in the cinematic narrative. As Pfeiffer discussed celebrities, producers, and directors— at times this overwhelmed us, but we are not familiar with the industry and these details were a first exposure. We enjoyed Carolyn's numerous life reflections. GalleyMatch has inspired us to read books we would not have known about and/or genres we would not have selected on our own."
Menu: "Lunch overlooking the lake with multicultural appetizers: Baba ganoush with toasted pita bread (a nod to Omar Sharif); Beet and goat cheese dip with assorted fresh vegetables (Market Fresh Vegetables like one would shop for in France), Avocado chicken salad with jicama and peperoncini peppers on a bed of lettuce with French baguette (A nod to Italy) Dessert:-Lemon buttermilk ice cream with black currant jam and sugar cone."
Woodlands Lunch and Books: "A good match for It is interesting to read about lives so different from our own and we enjoyed this coming-of-age story. In a world of cinematic greats, it was fun to read some of the portrayals from Carolyn’s perspective. A member commented that reading the book made them want to see Doctor Zhivago and another mentioned that they loved Omar Sharif even more after reading the book. There was a discussion of a disturbing scene in the book and many were disappointed at the actor involved. We also enjoyed the descriptions of some of the locales throughout Europe that we knew. As Carolyn discovered herself through the many ups and downs of her early life, it was fascinating to watch her independence shine, especially with Suso d’Amico supporting her career choices. A few members were unfamiliar with numerous names and had to search online for them. Those that enjoy biographies and memoirs, especially of old Hollywood would enjoy this book."
Ranch Readers: "We recall the 1950s and '60s and thoroughly enjoyed CHASING THE PANTHER—the people, films, and occasions were familiar to us, making it a delightful read.
We found Ms. Pfeiffer's memoir exceptionally captivating and thought-provoking. It provided a glimpse into the golden era of cinema behind the scenes. We sympathized with her misfortunes and rejoiced in her successes as a self-sufficient and accomplished woman. We remember the movie era when Carolyn began her career and those she met and interacted with throughout. Although it seemed she lived a fairy tale life, Carolyn faced traumatic events she recounted with candor. Her strength and determination allowed her to overcome adversity and lead a fulfilling artistic life. Her memoir offers a glimpse into the world of fame and fortune in the film industry and a raw, honest portrayal of her struggles and triumphs.
The images added to our enjoyment—several members remembered having photos of Omar Sharif on their bedroom walls as teenagers. We discussed our recollections of the era that Carolyn described, including the films, directors, and producers she mentioned. Despite the notable progress made in women's rights, we realized many obstacles Carolyn faced still endure. The consensus was that success in the film industry depends on connections, and we were impressed by her ability to form relationships with influential figures, and that she was able to rise above her tragedies with grace and not let them deter her from living her best life. Recommended for readers who enjoy a memoir full of experiences more interesting than fiction and film history."
Menu: "Italian cookies that were a tribute to Carolyn's adventures in Italy."
Junior League Book Club of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Spectacles Book Club, Geneva, Ohio, and Hagerstown Housewives, Hagerstown, Maryland
NO TWO PERSONS by Erica Bauermeister (St. Martin's Press, 5/2/23)
A novel about the ways in which one book transforms its readers' lives.
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “Every member loved NO TWO PERSONS, the first book in a long time that we overwhelmingly agreed that we loved.T his book is about a book and the reactions and experiences of nine people who encounter it. Even those that couldn’t attend our discussion were texting with their input— the consensus—this book is a home run. We had a great discussion centered around the first line of the fictional book ‘Wandering is a gift given only to the lost,’ and the idea that no two people ever experience anything exactly the same way.
We discussed the way each character responded to the book and why we felt they were so drawn to it. We loved the little Easter Eggs of how characters were connected and agreed that the widower's story was one of our favorites/most heartbreaking. We loved how the story of each character seemed like it could be a stand-alone short story.
“We were surprised that our entire book club loved the book— we tend to be very opinionated and are almost always split on our reading selections. And that we all loved it was much more interesting, as the theme is about how people experience books differently. Just Ike the characters in the book, we had different experiences and reactions while reading it, but in the end, we were all drawn to it for many of the same reasons. Every last one of us recommends NO TWO PERSONS, especially for those who enjoy short stories, unique characters, and lively discussion."
Spectacles: "We agreed that NO TWO PERSONS was a perfect match for our group. What a thought-provoking book. Each book club member’s favorite parts, thoughts, characters, and quotes began a lively conversation about the value and power of words. The individual stories demonstrated how one book can affect readers in amazing and unexpected ways. It was interesting to read how one book connected all the characters.
We loved all of the characters and their stories, and everyone in our book club had a favorite. As teachers, many of us connected with Nola—a character we could easily relate to—and we thought William and Abigail's story was heartbreaking. We learned through Alice's story that in many ways, a writer's own life experiences affect what is written.We explored the character in each story and saw how the stories were connected. We discussed how parts of Alice's book were found in each chapter. It was interesting to see how and when we were able to put the bits and pieces together to tell Theo's story. As the chapters progressed, we were able to see the impact that the book had on each person and how they moved on. This book reminded us that no two persons interpret the same book in the same way and interpretations that we share depend on where we are at a certain time. In addition to the written stories, we loved how the cover depicted the nine readers!
We shared some of our favorite quotes for discussion, such as ‘The beauty of books—they take you places you didn't know you needed to go.’
Menu: "Foods connected to stories: Ramen noodle salad, granola bars (Nola). PBJ sliders and potato chips (Alice and Peter), banana muffins (William)"
Hagerstown Housewives: “We all enjoyed NO TWO PERSONS. Erica Bauermeister's writing was loved by all. We loved the premise that one story can affect people differently. Some of the most interesting topics were the different chapters that each individual person in my book club liked and their reasons why. We discussed the different stories that resonated. Since we are all book lovers in our book club, we connected to the story of each of the 9 persons who read about Theo. We all had a soft spot for the book and its many characters. We recommend for those who enjoy relatable stories that connect people in inspiring ways.”
Famished for Fiction, Frisco, Texas; Lit Ladies, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Between the Pages, Mt. Morris, New York
BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN by Diane Chamberlain( St. Martins Press, 2020)
A novel of chilling intrigue, a decades-old disappearance, and a woman’s quest for the truth.
Famished for Fiction: We highly recommend BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN, which will remain with us for a long time. The contrasting timelines of the 1940s and the present day, as well as the varying perspectives, made for a captivating read." -
"Chamberlain's writing was impressive, and she has now become one of our favorite authors. Our club enjoyed this intricately crafted book and appreciated the diversity of opinions from our multi-racial group. We learned about the WPA project and the historical setting of Edenton, North Carolina, which we found fascinating. During our discussions, we explored the complex relationships between characters, such as Jesse and Anna, Morgan and Oliver. We delved into the secrets that Nellie kept, and the burden of family responsibility. The ending kept us guessing, and the short chapters made it easy to follow the multiple storylines. Most members gave this novel a 5/5 rating.”
Lit Ladies: "We all enjoyed this novel and it inspired great discussion—success! We discussed the dual timelines, the connections between the protagonists, the art restoration process and research, the epilogue ending, and various aberrations/additions in the mural that Anna added. Members commented that they ‘binged it,’ ‘loved it, ‘couldn’t put it down,’ and “read 250 pages at once.' We recommend to clubs that enjoy historical thrillers and mysteries."
Between the Pages: “Thank you for this read! Hot discussion topics were the dual storyline, life in prison, the big reveal, and small-town life. We live in a small area, so that was discussed at length. We recommend for those clubs that enjoy Intertwined storylines and thrills."
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal, and Reckless Readers, Eastford, Connecticut
THE SOULMATE by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 4/23)
A thriller about marriage, betrayal, and the secrets that push us to the edge,
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal: "We loved THE SOULMATE!, a perfect match for our book club. Most agreed that this one is one of our favorite Sally Hepworth We’re huge fans of hers. Half of our book club met Sally in person during her book tour at Zibby's Bookshop— fantastic!
"We discussed the dynamics between the two couples and which one was the true soulmate. We appreciated how the author added important topics such as mental health, adoption, and addiction. The characters were intriguing and the level of suspense had us on the edge of our seats. We loved having the perspective of Amanda which gave us a great insight into details about the characters’ relationships.
We enjoyed talking about Gabe’s transformation from the beginning of the story, when we all thought he was a wonderful human being, to the end, where many details about his character are revealed. The discussion questions provided an excellent guide for our chat. We recommend THE SOULMATE to book clubs that enjoy reading suspenseful family dramas with an atmospheric setting."
Reckless Readers: Normally we discuss the book for a little while, and then jump to other topics. Not last night! There was too much to discuss after reading THE SOULMATE —everyone loved the book and the twists! This book was such a conversation starter! Sally Hepworth is so good at working mental health into her books. Hepworth nailed the portrayal of mental illness as well as codependency— the character Gabe was hard to read, because of how accurately she depicted his illness. Members wanted to break down the relationship between Pippa and Gave, and how forgiving Pippa was when most people would walk. It was an emotional conversation, with so many personal perspectives and stories.
Most members had never read a Sally Hepworth book. After last night, everyone added her books to their TBR lists. I’ve been reading her for years, and was happy to see they felt the same way about her books! Sally is an excellent storyteller. Thank you so much for the excellent #GalleyMatch.
Menu: "Soulmate bars—peanut butter & jelly—the ultimate soulmate of food! And “The Drop Martini” —a cranberry lemon drop martini, that will send you over the edge after only a few! "
THE STORIES WE TELL: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by Joanna Gaines (Harper Select . 11/8/22)
The first solo memoir from the Magnolia co-founder.
We met at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Shops at Creekside in Frisco, Texas, a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Gaines' own design style, making it the perfect location for our discussion."
Get Lit: "We’re all fans of Chip and Joanna’s and enjoyed learning more about her. Chip is so funny and Joanna always appears to be calm, so it was interesting learning about her childhood and the difficulties she faced.
Jensen Beach County Club's Womens Book Club of Florida, The Wine Club With a Book Problem of Acworth, Georgia, and Blu Stocking Literary Society of West Allis, Wisconsin
THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS by M.J. Rose (Blue Box, 2/23)
A tale of two passionate women— a famous jewelry designer who fights to protect her company and rescue the man she loves, and an auctioneer whose gifts reveal a secret that endangers her very life,
Jensen Beach County Club: “We loved the descriptions of the jewelry that Suzanne Belperron made and the majority of us had researched Suzanne's designs after reading the book.A good match for our book club. We enjoy historical fiction or books with strong women. This novel features a dual timeline— France, 1942, and New York, 1986. Suzanne is a sought-after jewelry designer in France and her longtime lover and business partner, Bernard has been arrested by the Nazis. Violine is an appraiser for an auction company in 1986 and has been approached by Paul Osgood about selling family antiques. While visiting his home, she discovers a hidden compartment in a vintage Louis Vuitton case containing WWII-era jewelry. Violine is gifted with learning the history and secrets of objects she touches, and their owners and realizes that the jewelry has a long and tragic history. Violine and Paul work together to discover the history of the case and the jewelry. We discussed how Dixie and Suzanne demonstrated this in their work for the resistance movement."
Menu: "French rose wine, croissants, olives, brie, baguettes with French butter, chocolate mousse, cheesecake, dark chocolate squares, and cappuccino."
The Wine Club With a Book Problem "THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS is a captivating and powerful story that grabs you from the first page— a good match for as we like historical fiction with strong women. We enjoy books in which we learn something new, and the story prompts us further investigate a topic—in this case, Suzanne Belperron, one of the most innovative jewelers of her time, and her jewelry designs. This intriguing story explored Suzanne Belperron's courage and those who participated in the French Resistance by helping Jewish families leave France. We liked the novel's alternating dual timelines—Paris 1942 and New York 1986—which link Suzanne and Violine, an art historian/appraiser with a supernatural gift. We noted that this is the first book we've read that involves psychometry.”
Rose has written a beautiful and descriptive story. We recommend this book to those that enjoy magical realism, suspense, and World War II fiction."
Menu: "Brie, apples, Classic French Salad (romaine, tarragon, chives, walnuts with a lemon vinaigrette, Ina Garten's Bouef Bourguignon, Mashed Potatoes, macarons. truffles."
Blu Stocking: An excellent selection for our club. This story was fascinating and the psychometry was an interesting twist. We enjoy reading about real people in history within a historical fiction context. While the characters are placed in a fictional story, there is much to take away. Several of us did some research on Suzanne Belperron and her jewelry designs. We also like the alternating timeline. robust discussion. We discussed psychometry's 'unbelievable' aspect juxtapositioned with an equally 'unbelievable' period of history as the holocaust. Also, we talked about the courage and actions of people in this world that are so brave and committed even in the face of personal danger, as well as the variety of themes—determination, strength of character, hope, faith, and love in all its incarnations, lovers (Suzanne/Bernard/Jean), friends (Suzanne & Dixie) and love of country/places (France)”
Curious Book Club, Frederick, Maryland; St. Louis Women’s Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; First Saturday Book Club, Pensacola, Florida
PRACTICE GIRL by Estelle Laure (Penguin Teen, 5/22)
A novel about a girl who rejects her label and decides for herself who she is to the world—about reputation and double standards,
Menu: We met at a diner because there was a diner in the story!
First Saturday Book Club: "We had a great discussion about PRACTICE GIRLan honest, moving YA read that should be in the hands of more teens. PRACTICE GIRL offers a strong look at what it means to participate in a relationship and the need for teens to understand the ramifications of sex and responsibility and dedication to relationships. The author writes with emotional depth—we feel everything Jo goes through, and we root for Jo to win at wrestling and life. It’s clever, charming, and poignant.
We discussed teenage behaviors: that Jo was not responsible for Sam kissing her yet she is blamed, how girls need to have girl relationships so they have support, the importance of family, taking others into consideration while establishing boundaries, and understanding the relationship before sex. Also, that growing up and having friendships change is difficult but a part of growing up. We all enjoyed this coming-of-age novel, recommended for this for groups that enjoy YA lit with emotional depth."
Happy Bookers, Linn Missouri, Lit Ladies Read Melbourne, Florida, and St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; and Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
WEYWARD by Emila Hart (St. Martin's Press, 3/23)
A novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world
Happy Bookers: “A gem of a book with resilient female characters is our favorite GalleyMatch to date.”- on a novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world, read with galleys from
“Hart has given us much to ponder in a most bewitching tale. Altha, Violet, and Kate will long stay with us for their resilience and fortitude. We agreed that witchcraft isn’t accomplished through spells, but by their connection to the world around them -— and that was most appreciated and enjoyed. We cheered at the comeuppance of the perpetrators who caused harm both physical and mental to the female characters. We discussed the plight and strength of women over the ages dealing with similar treatment. The three women characters were enthralling. The author wove the three timelines of the Weyward women’s lives together expertly. Their plight, resourcefulness, and special powers along with their ties to nature and their strength to survive amidst adversity and ill-treatment earn these characters a place in your heart. The short chapters breeze along while keeping the depth of the characters and story strong. Highly recommended by our group to fellow readers. The perfect fall read. The perfect anytime read! Cannot wait to read more from this author.”
Menu: Orton stew (chicken and rice soup) W pendant cakes(cupcakes), Witches sticks and twigs (fried tortilla strips), Cottage dip (cowboy caviar), Crow Bars (brownie bites), Insect Wings(corn chips), Graham Crackers(saltines and wheat thins), and Morgs(moon drop grapes)in a member’s backyard and woods for our book reenactments."
Lit Ladies Read:“ We loved everything about this book! This is a very compelling read that highlights the connection between women, family, and nature."
WEYWARD is a beautifully written story about the strength and resilience of three different women. The story is told in alternating timelines, in different centuries leaving the reader to wonder how these women are related. The Weyward women all face similar, yet different, hardships of violence, abuse, and expectations of society that they must overcome. The women all have a very strong connection to nature and find strength and inner peace through this connection. The alternating timelines advance the story and keep you wanting more. The descriptive language paints a clear picture, and we loved the alternating timelines—each character's story was compelling and gave a feel for what these women had to endure. We spent quite a bit of time discussing the treatment of women who were deemed ’weird’ throughout history. It is frightening to think that there was a period in history when women could be labeled witches and executed based on nothing more than conjecture and failure to conform to societal expectations. Altha's storyline, in particular really highlighted how ludicrous the idea of witchcraft really is and how scared people were of anyone who was different. Another hot topic was domestic abuse and how difficult it can be for abused women to escape their abuser. Both Kate's and Violet's stories dealt with physical and sexual abuse that required both women to find the strength to remove themselves from their situations. We recommend for those who enjoy stories about women finding their inner strength to overcome hardship.”
Menu: Witching Hour Cabernet Sauvignon and witch hat cupcakes.
St. Louis: "WEYWARD was intense, honest and deeply connected to today’s time The three timelines and main character add layers of interconnected themes and details. At first glance, these are very different women but ultimately all face similar situations. We discussed feminism and the growth of women throughout time, how the patriarchy impacts women’s abilities to make choices, and Nature vs nurture—these women all were born to be Weyward, not raised to be Weyward.
Recommended for those who enjoyed THE LOST APOTHECARY by Sarah Penner; three perspectives or time periods in stories; the power of nature; books about powerful women and the ability to be strong despite the circumstances and external environment. This book has some trigger warnings that I think all readers need to be extremely mindful of before reading (physical/verbal abuse, parental abuse, rape, pregnancy loss, abortion, jail).
Reading Between the Wines: “This book was a perfect match for our club. We all enjoyed this story of three women from the same family line at different points in time. There was so much to discuss here: our connection to the natural world, overcoming trauma, giving yourself grace, and the strength and resilience of women, feminism, women’s connection to the natural world, family legacies, and overcoming trauma We thought the author did a great job incorporating the interconnected stories of Althea, Violet, and Kate. Recommended to book clubs that enjoy women’s fiction, historical fiction with dual timelines, and a touch of magical realism.
Menu: "Food to honor the garden at Weyward cottage, including veggie crackers with garden vegetables, and basil cheese, roasted vegetable pizza, and fresh veggies with hummus. We also had blueberry scones with jam and tea and biscuits as a nod to the English settings in the book."
Longwood Ladies, Goshen, Kentucky and Colonies Book Club, Yorkville, Illinois
ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE by Noelle Salazar ( Mira,/ HTP, 11/22)
A story inspired by true events, about courageous women who risked everything for their country, family, and each other
Longwood Ladies: “ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE was a great book club book.We all loved learning about a neutral country. It was a new take on that era that we all really enjoyed! We discussed how much we learned about the World War II era, We talked a lot about and enjoyed the fact that it shined the light on a true sister act. It was the first historical fiction I’ve read that took place in the Netherlands during World War II. It was a refreshing change to hear the trials from a neutral neighbor. The characters were easy to relate to and love and my heart was wrenched by their bravery and struggles. We fell in love with the characters —they were strong, intelligent, patient women right from the start and their growth and determination were astounding. We recommend ANGELS to those who enjoy historical fiction and reading about strong women! If you enjoyed THE LILAC GIRLS, ROSE CODE, or Salazar’s first book, FLIGHT GIRLS, you will enjoy this historical fiction. We all thank you immensely!”
Colonies Book Club: "Some members were in tears throughout this beautifully told story of two young sisters who risk everything for their homeland during World War II. Our members loved this book. Some comments: A heart-wrenching read that is full of tenderness, resilience, courage, brutality, and devotion. The author did a great job of opening our eyes to the hardships of living through Nazi occupation Salazar demonstrated how strong the bonds of sisters, family, and friends are in a powerful way. This story is told from the perspective of a young teenage girl and how innocence is lost through the actions necessary to fight the evil that ripped her country apart. We were unfamiliar with the occupation of the Netherlands and learned about their struggle with starvation and freezing during the last years of the war. We couldn’t imagine girls getting involved with the resistance and what they were willing to do for their country. We all felt the guilt that Lien carried throughout her life over her little sister's death and the catalyst that was for her to join the resistance. We loved the epilogue and the closure it gave us about all of the character
Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut: CT Lit Club, Milford, ConnecticutTHE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins(St. Martin's Press, 1/23)
A gothic suspense novel set at an Italian villa with a dark history.
Literary Lovelies:" We all loved the book! This book has books within the book!”-“We discussed both storylines and if we found ourselves drawn to one story or the other. Susan loved the dual timelines and thought the Mari storyline felt like a movie! We also discussed whether we saw that Mark and Chess were together. A lot of people had thoughts on Chess! We decided she was either a Love or hate character. We also discussed if you have to like the characters to like a book. Chelsey thought the book reminded her of Rachel’s other books and talked about her distinct writing style. We loved how easy it was to read, and enjoyed the epistolary chapters that enhanced the story. We felt the book wrapped up a little quickly and we wished that Emily had stood up for herself a little more! But the Italy location was a favorite of ours as well as the slight gothic style of the Mari plot line. We recommend THE VILLA to clubs that enjoy dual timelines in beautiful settings! Thank you so much for this opportunity!"
Menu: "We meet virtually, but enjoyed some limoncello while reading the book! Emily and Chess are a little over-served on limoncello their first night in Italy."
CT Lit Book Club: This book had us in a heated discussion about what we would do if we were in the main character’s situation. We found ourselves in a coffee shop yelling about dead husbands and realized we probably should put our books on the tabble so other patrons see we are actually discussing a book!!
“We were excited to preview a Rachel Hawkins title! The majority of us have read THE WIFE UPSTAIRS and RECKLESS GIRLS, along with some of her Erin Sterling books.
We had high expectations for THE VILLA, as it is highly anticipated by the bookstagram community. Overall, we expected it to be more ‘thrilling’, but we enjoyed it and were enthralled wondering what was going to end up happening and how the two stories of what took place at the villa were going to bridge together. One member described her reading experience as the story ‘always having an air of suspicion to keep her intrigued.’ We really loved the setting of the villa in Italy and loved the throwbacks to the 70s! We recommend this book to those that enjoy drama, and books like BIG LITTLE LIES.’
Reckless Readers: "Everyone loved the book, rating it Hawkins’s best yet!"- “This is our second GalleyMatch for a Rachel Hawkins book, and we were very excited! Most members read THE VILLA in two sittings We could not wait to rant about the characters we hated, dissect the twists, and gush over the amazing setting. There was a lot of early chatter in the week before our meeting — those that finished it early could not wait to have our discussion.
The level of betrayal among friends was the biggest discussion. We loved the setting, the dual timelines, and the parallels between them. The twists were nonstop and unexpected, which kept us page-turning. The dual timelines made the story. Going from Emily & Chess presently staying at the Villa, to Mari in 1974, the reader gets the full picture of what really happened at The Villa Aestas. Both stories have parallels that are frightening. It seems that you can’t stay at the Villa without it taking someone from you. There are love triangles, friendship deceits, thrilling reveals, and murder to fit everyone’s appetite. It’s dark and atmospheric in ways we have never seen from Rachel Hawkins. She packed so many surprises into this book, but the last chapter is the biggest. There was a hot debate among the group on whether that last chapter was even necessary. How many twists are too many? We recommend if you enjoy big twisty thrillers that grip you until the end —add it to your preorder list! It's out in January, and will be on everyone’s hot list for 2023!"
Menu: “Italian lemon theme to match book: lemon basil pasta salad, lemon ricotta hot cheese dip, limoncello cocktails.”
Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Riverside Readers, Plain City, Ohio; Amy's Book Club, Boulder Colorado
A LIGHT IN THE FOREST by Melissa Payne (Lake Union, 2022)
An emotional and suspenseful novel about the weight of secrets and the healing power of friends and family.
Riverside Readers: “We loved the Ohio setting and although Crystal was a made-up town, we have been to similar small towns and could picture the intent while we read. We appreciated the fun and quirky characters with a hint of underlying mystery in the book. don't know. We discussed the small town, the stereotypes, and the reality, not all small towns in Ohio are like that but we knew why the author picked to use the stereotypical poor/mining town in Appalachia. The timelines coordinated well together with the flashbacks. The characters of the small town were unique and we liked how they interacted with each other—they balanced the trauma. The reader's guide for this book was great. Thank you! We love being introduced to new authors and this time it helped build a new small community of readers, as this is a new book club."
We discussed which of the lovable/heroic characters we enjoyed the most and whether Vega was a hero or a victim;, the pacing of how quickly Vega developed community in Crystal, secrets and why they should be kept or told; our reactions to Vega checking Instagram and our internal screamings at her of what we wanted her to do, the town's support of Eve, and what would happen next for all of them. We recommend A LIGHT IN THE FOREST to book clubs that enjoy complicated relationships and a multi-decade mystery to unravel." Melanie’s Book Club:" We loved the opportunity to preview A LIGHT IN THE FOREST. We are reading another Melissa Payne book this month, as a result! Everyone had positive comments and the book made for great conversation. One member who is stingy with book ratings gave our selection 5 stars. This is a thoughtful, well-written book that discusses real-life issues with great character development. A main discussion point was the different social issues addressed in the book and that the author didn't 'preach' about them. Our group has many teachers and nurses in it and this made an impact on us, especially since we see these issues in the lives of our students and patients. We appreciated the character development and that through the different points of view, we were able to put pieces of the puzzle together before Vega did, yet it didn’t take away from the mystery. This book is a must-read! We look forward to seeing if her other books have a similar writing style and theme."
Madame Woods Book Club of Wiscasset, Maine, and Book Club Girls of Sparta, New JerseyTHE WAYS WE HIDE, by Kristina McMorris (Sourcebooks, 2022)
We discuss the intricacies of the story and how relatable the main character was. McMorris thoughtfully and seamlessly transitions from a story of romance, into a detail-oriented spy novel, and keeps the reader o n the edge of their seat in anticipation of what direction the story and characters would go next. She challenges the reader to keep up with current and past storylines, all while inserting historical events, distracting the reader - they are well intertwined into the characters' lives and the book’s storylines. THE WAYS WE HIDE offers a variety of themes that would appeal to a large readership. So many beautiful moments, even in the last chapters of the book, that offer a sweet and real conclusion.”Book Club Girls of Sparta: "We enjoyed reading about a part of history we did not know of.Most of us were unaware of the Dutch involvement in the resistance or hadn't heard of this chapter of history where women recruited into the resistance worked on inventing escape aids that were hidden in things like games, and the hiding of clues and maps in ordinary objects was interesting to learn about. The resounding takeaway was the fact that so many people risked everything to help the resistance, to help other humans stay safe. Many questioned whether they would be as brave, especially being a woman. We found the most connecting part of the story was Fennas; bravery, and fearlessness even though she had deep trauma from the fire. We recommend THE WAYS WE HIDE to groups interested in historical fiction about new pieces of World War III history and strong female protagonists."Menu: Tea and speculoos cookies.
Brunch & Books Club, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Literary Fires Everywhere, Cortland Manor, New YorkTHE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center, (St. Martin's Press, 7/22)
A romantic and humorous romance about a bodyguard, and the movie star she's hired to protect, as they work to keep things professional under crazy circumstances
Brunch & Books: “We discussed the main character’s growth. Everyone enjoyed the love story, but seeing how the character grew into herself from start to finish was what really stood out. She gained confidence and self-respect that she didn’t have at the beginning and that really resonated with members. The discussion questions prompted a good conversation that brought to mind parts of the story we might not have discussed.
I Ioved this fun and funny book with every piece of my heart. It was my first Katherine Center novel and it felt as if I was sitting with a BFF listening to her tell e this hilarious and heartwarming story. 10/10! The Author’s Note alone is worth 5 stars. Don’t skip it! Recommended for those who enjoy funny, happy love stories! We’re so appreciative of the opportunity! “
Literary Fires Everywhere: "We all enjoyed this book. I am definitely not a regular rom-com reader— I usually find myself rolling my eyes at plots that make others swoon— but I really did love this book. It’s super cute, engaging, and the characters feel real. Even the setting popped right off the page! Definitely recommend grabbing this one!
Hannah has been hired to be a bodyguard to Jack, a Hollywood burnout who would prefer not to have a bodyguard. The pair have palpable chemistry, and I quickly found myself rooting for them. We are not huge romance readers and we’re all pleasantly surprised that it was both fluffy and deep, a un reads with a bit of drama. We all loved the touches and the author’s descriptions. (The Bush steak knives)."
Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; and Bookish Ladies, Coto de Caza, CaliforniaHESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese (St. Martin's Press, 10/4/22)
A vivid reimagining of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne, the tragic heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and a journey into the enduring legacy of New England's witchcraft trials.Get Woke: "HESTER’s message empowered us! As Laurie Lico Albanese writes, Hester Prynne is ‘a heroic woman who defies powerful men and vengeful villagers by wearing the symbol of her shame like a badge of courage.’ Heroic women! May we be them and may we raise them!”A major symbol, incorporating the books' themes, was Isobel's sewing skill and her ability to design and stitch beautiful patterns and scenes that revealed emotions and contained hidden messages.
Each member of the book club was asked to bring a bottle of wine (or another beverage of choice), containing a label that could reflect a 'hidden' message or theme of the story. Our discussion involved each of the members presenting her wine and describing the label, revealing aspects of the novel. These included PROPHECY WINES— The label’s images relate to the supernatural world, and scenes with shooting stars. Isobel struggles to accept her power, and the woman on the label exhibits power.*TEMPTATION AND EVE—Depicts Eve tempting Adam. Isobel’s community shuns her as a witch when she becomes pregnant. EVE elicited discussion on the Bible story – Isobel notes its message about untrustworthy women. GNARLY HEAD WINES—summarizes many characters' mental states: Hawthorne struggles with his family history of witch trials. Isobel struggles with her artistic creations and powers. *KALEIDOSCOPE:— Isabel’s gift enables her to create beautiful designs and messages on clothing and understand others’ emotions. WITCHING HOUR: summarized the novel’s mystery, fantasy, excitement, and passion.
Menu: A ‘community rice bowl’ is symbolic of the support and encouragement women shared in the novel. Member brought ingredients. Along with the theme of wine, dessert bars were labeled ‘Primitive Nuts’: many characters reflect this title!
We also shared a representation of each member’s name created by a woman with synesthesia.”We thought character of 'Hathorne' -- what the author calls Hawthorne-- could have been developed a bit further as he seemed shallow and his treatment of Isobel seemed dismissive. The social issues of the time were well highlighted by the author with a concurrent story of the Witch Trials in Salem, the plight of fleeing saves using the Underground Railroad, the mistreatment and victimization of women who had no rights, the struggles of prejudice that immigrants face in America We enjoyed the novel and feel it is going to become a best seller - it was definitely a compelling read!
Menu: Bee-shaped tea cakes and chocolate and lemon lavender scones to enjoy with tea and coffee.
Bookish Ladies: "Everyone enjoyed the book and a fresh reboot of The Scarlet Letter. The author did a wonderful retelling and we loved the characters and the story. We had a great discussion and we’re so happy to have this fun experience. We highly recommend HESTER! One member loved the book so much that she took a trip to Salem - ok it was a brilliant coincidence that she was going there!"
Menu: "Many colorful vegetables mentioned in the book."
Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas and Cork and Olive Book Club, Valrico, FloridaHALF-BLOWN ROSE by Leesa-Cross Smith (Grand Central, 2022)
A novel about a woman remaking her life after her husband’s betrayal leads to a year of travel, art, and passion in Paris.
Famished for Fiction: “We had a great time discussing HALF-BLOWN ROSE! This book really stretched us!" We discussed infidelity quite a bit: some members felt that the current problem —the marriage— needed to be resolved before embarking on another adventure—a relationship with Loup. We discussed that Vincent and Loup being independently wealthy contributed to their ability to just 'do as they pleased'. Vincent runs off to Paris; she and Loup travel by train to visit Theo, and family. Her family’s laid-back attitude when she shows up with Loup is a bit shocking; but, put into the context of their family, it made sense. SPOILER ALERT: We felt the ending left questions unanswered...maybe a sequel is in the plans? We would love to know if Vincent will return to Cillian, stay with Loup or go out on her own. We felt she was d searching for her freedom by leaving Kentucky and fleeing to Paris; but, in the end, becomes more tied down with the pregnancy. We recommend this book to those who enjoy Paris, romance, art, and secrets."Menu: We loved that the novel was set in Paris so we met at a French restaurant, Toulouse Cafe & Bar for quiche, Toulouse salad, lobster rolls, lobster risotto, and rose-themed drinks: French 77 and Rose all-day punch."
Cork and Olive: We looked forward to HALF-BLOWN ROSE, as we enjoyed Leesa’s novel THIS CLOSE TO OKAY and this did not disappoint! We enjoy her writing style—a phenomenal writer!” There was much discussion about whether Vincent should have led her husband on, whether it was wrong for her to be with Loup before a decision about her marriage, and whether she should have reached out to Tully and his mother. No one liked Cillian's actions and would have preferred Vincent to end her marriage if she was going to go be with someone else. We discussed Vincent's relationship with her children and the growing relationship with Tully, who we loved. There was concern that Vincent spent more time on Tully with her children, although we know that she loved them - she just didn't share as much of herself with them. We all want an epilogue!! We agreed that we needed to know what Vincent decided. Some hoped she kicked both Cillian and Loop to the curb, stayed in Paris, and raised the baby herself. Some thought she might have both... We loved that she decided to just do whatever she felt— eat pastries, sleep during the day, do whatever her spirit felt, while she proces
sed this punch in the gut to her life.
We enjoyed the references to food, art, books, and music. It was SO brilliant that Leesa created Vincent's Spotify playlists. We were delighted to see videos and references to characters on @anchoismusic. What a great way to bring the book to life! C'est bon bon bon! We recommend this novel to those who enjoy travel, art, and passion.”
Menu: "Our menu featured foods referenced —wonderfully varied and not all French! Cranberry Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes, Chickpea Stew, Fig Jam and Cheese with crackers, Rosemary Flatbread with Hummus and Olives, Pain au Chocolat, Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies, and of course, Champagne!
Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Literary Lovelies of Yonkers, New York Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Finer Things Book Club of Brentwood, CaliforniaTHE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK by Ellen Marie Wiseman (Kensington, 8/22)
The story about the Willowbrook State School, the Staten Island mental institution that shocked a nation when exposed in the 1970s as a dumping ground for unwanted children.
Sensational Seven: "We are fortunate to read this new novel from a favorite author! Once again, Ms. Wiseman has so eloquently written about another of our nation’s past social injustices. We compared our strong responses to the novel with other books with difficult topics. She has shed light on a piece of our history that is so important to learn about. Her take on Willowbrook through the eyes of sixteen-year-old, Sage Winters, was a riveting ‘page-turner.’ When Sage discovers her twin sister, Rosemary, was alive and had been institutionalized for years at Willowbrook; she courageously heads to the school to rescue her. We discussed our emotional responses in realizing that these atrocities occurred in our lifetime and in our country Our discussion centered on how the children’s parents felt after learning the truth of events at the ‘school.’ We were sad and horrified over Willowbrook, and had for the staff and media who were crucial to its closure. We felt grateful for the advancement in care and treatment of the mentally ill and incapacitated members of our society today.”
Menu: "Our take on related food/drink: White chicken chili, representing the colorless mush that residents at Willowbrook were served daily. We also drank Tequila Sunrises, a popular cocktail in 1972, using orange juice. In the novel, the nurses mixed medication in orange juice to keep the residents sedated. No meds were used by our book club- only tequila and grenadine in the OJ!”
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “We enjoy historical fiction and mystery and this was the best of both worlds!”Some members recently toured a State Hospital in Michigan and were able to compare what they learned with Willowbrook. Ellen Marie Wiseman joined us via Zoom to answer questions about how she researched the book and where the ideas came from— including the big twist. It was especially fun because she had been at the memorial at Willowbrook the day before and was able to tell us about meeting some of the doctors and attendants who helped to blow the whistle, per se. We discussed society during this time, and why it was often recommended for parents to place children in a place like Willowbrook. We discussed how parents could see their child in that state, not say anything- many of us agreed that during that time, people deferred to 'authority’ and took the doctors at their word. Today, parents question and challenge authority, especially when it comes to doctors and teachers. We agreed this was one of the saddest stories we had heard and had time wrapping our heads around the fact that while it’s a fictional story the setting, conditions, and many of the characters were real. We also didn’t see the twist coming (Ellen said that even her editor didn’t see that one!).”
Menu: "Pancakes and bacon, a build-your-own-oatmeal bar, and orange juice —spiked with champagne instead of sedatives, as in the book."
Literary Lovelies: "This was truly a fascinating book that led to a great discussion about mental health. We couldn't believe it was based on a true story! We all loved this fascinating story, and it was heartbreaking to know it was based on a real situation. The subject matter was difficult but we all enjoyed the historical fiction and somewhat true crime genre in this well-written and detailed novel. Wiseman graphically describes the school, where employees brutalize and demean their residents. It’s after a reporter sneaks into the facility— the journalist is Geraldo Rivera, who was instrumental in getting the facility rehabbed and shut down —that light is shed on these inhumane conditions. We discussed the women brought to this facility, mental health, and the management of those needing special care. It was terrible that couldn’t speak up for themselves, and that no one ever checked on them This dark and gritty story will stay with us for a long time—it was so interesting and led to a fabulous discussion. This is my first time reading this author and I will be looking for more of her books."
Elizabeth's Book Chat, Frisco, Texas; Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey; North Wales Area Public Library; PennsylvaniaWHEN WE LET GO by Rochelle Weinstein
A novel about mothers and daughters, loss and acceptance, the lessons that come from heartbreak, and the healing it takes to embrace the joy of a second chance.Elizabeth’s Book Chat: "A wonderful match We had a very lively discussion with author Rochelle Weinstein and the book was so well received. Everyone loved it! There were different elements of the story that each of us could relate to which made it even more interesting. The author's style of writing is genuine and heartfelt. As we read the words on the page, we also were able to actually feel the emotions. What was very interesting was when members asked Rochelle where the idea for the tree came from. The response kept everyone chatting for a while. Great interaction!”
Book Club Girls Sparta: “A new author to us, and this moving story was enjoyed by all. Many could relate to the protagonist's profound level of loss and trauma and how one moment in her young life altered her future relationships with those closest to her. Trauma, grief, mother-daughter, sister, family, forgiveness, strength, and courage were all key factors that resonated with our readers. We discussed the importance of self-care and women surrounding themselves with people they can trust and open up to, and give themselves permission to move on and heal. We enjoyed the mother/ daughter theme. Read this moving novel if you are looking for a story of mothers, daughters, first love, second chances, and the powerful bond of sisters. “
Over-Readers Anonymous of Cumming, Georgia, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, Wine Club with a Book Problem, Woodstock, GeorgiaOVERKILL by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 8/22)
A crime thriller in which a conflict of conscience between a former football star and an ambitious state prosecutor swiftly intensifies into a fight for their lives.
Reckless Readers: "OVERKILL satisfied the thriller need, romance desire, and contemplative fiction we all love. It was an excellent book club book that sparked much conversation: the question of whether or not we would want to stay alive, or if we could actually pull the plug ourselves on a loved one, after being in a coma with no brain activity. The characters had moral and religious struggles with this choice, and we empathized with them. We loved the spicy romance in the book —with much discussion about how much more of it everyone wanted—as well as the direction of the story. Eban’s character sent us on another heated conversation about entitlement and the evils that wealth can add to an already evil person’s being. Sandra Brown did an excellent job of making us hate him, and kept us page-turning hoping for a better outcome. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy a little romance in their thriller, and heavy discussion points."
Menu: "Our drink—the Blue Overkill (vodka blue Curacao, and pineapple juice) was tasty, like Zach, and packed a punch like Kate. Paired with charcuterie."
Over-Readers Anonymous: “We recommend OVERKILL for those who enjoy crime fiction, suspense thrillers, and contemporary issues with a little romance thrown in! Our book club has enjoyed several Sandra Brown novels, they're entertaining and also touch on issues that lead to a deeper discussion. We discussed the ethical dilemma at the foundation of OVERKILL and delved into medical ethics, end-of-life planning, the characters, the plot, the judicial system, and the celebrity spotlight. As we all have roots in the south, we liked the Atlanta, New Orleans, and North Carolina settings. OVERKILL was action-packed and easy-to-read."
Menu: “As a BBQ menu was suggested by the author, met at a local restaurant for pulled pork!." (see Sandra Brown's recipe)
Book Club Girls: "An enjoyable read with developed characters an incredible, setting, and suspense well paced throughout the book. We discussed what we would do if faced with the same situation as Zach even though none of our members have had to face this situation. What many of us thought should have been a clear-cut choice, as we wove through the narrative we came to understand that there were so many layers to this that came into play that it wasn't as simple as we believed in the beginning. The most hated character was the villain Eban and although he is fictional, we agreed there are real people in the world like him. When you are so wealthy that you can make so many disastrous choices as a human with no consequences was highlighted. What would have happened to someone else who wasn't as wealthy? Also, we all agreed that no one really thought about Rebecca, until they were forced to, which led us to agree it was unacceptable for her to continue to be victimized in a way for so very long. But, if she was allowed to let go in the beginning, there wouldn't be as much of a plot line for the book. Loved the premise of the story, it gave lots of topics for discussion.
Menu: "We recommend bbq, pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans, and any tailgating type of foods that would be a nod to North Carolina and football."
Wine Club with a Book Problem: "OVERKILL is a good thought-provoking story. The topic of life support and having your affairs in order gave us a good discussion, and we enjoyed the setting of Atlanta since we live in the area. Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger has MPA for his ex-wife, Rebecca, who has been placed on life support after a violent assault. Zach has kept Rebecca on life support for 4 years to honor her parent's wishes. The attacker, Eban, gets an early release from prison and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. If Rebecca were to die, Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off and put Eban back in prison. We discussed that no one really thought about Rebecca. Zach was concerned about how he would be portrayed by the media, her father keeping her alive to punish Zach, and Eban boasting how his father's money got him out of prison early and now he can bet back to partying. It was unacceptable to keep Rebecca on life-support for so long.
Menu: "There are many football analogies and football references throughout the book. We put together a Tailgate Football Menu: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Balsamic Fig Infused Burger Bites, Wings, Homemade Salsa & Chips plus Guacamole, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pizza Pepper Poppers."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; CT Lit, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Kings Chapel Book Club Arrington, Tennessee,ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir (Penguin Teen, 3/22)
A contemporary novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.
Reading Between the Wines: "We all enjoyed the book and thought the author did a wonderful job of creating flawed and 'real' characters that we grew to care about."This was a great match for our club. Our discussion included immigrants' struggles to preserve their culture while trying to achieve the American Dream, the nature of generational trauma, the opioid crisis, and the role of faith in people's lives- so many things to discuss! We became invested in the characters of Noor and Sal and the traumatic events that they and their families, experienced impacted us, and provided a lot of jumping-off points for discussion. Watching their growth throughout the novel gave it a hopeful ending. We loved this book and were fully invested in these characters, and reading it was a very emotional journey. Recommended to clubs that enjoy books discussing contemporary themes, strong characters, and emotional reads.
Menu: We met at a local Indian/Pakistani restaurant to enjoy food discussed and eaten in the novel: chai tea, poori, halwa, Chicken Kashmiri, and paratha, among other dishes!
Page Ladies: “We went in expecting a contemporary story about friendship and forgiveness but what we got was so much more. Thank you, Sabaa Tahir, for sharing this devastating but absolutely beautiful story with us! This is a powerful story that affected each of us differently. It's one that will stay with us for a long time. Until The Fight Salahudin and Noor were more than friends; they were family. Now, Sal is struggling with keeping his family's motel afloat as his mother's health fails and his father loses himself to alcoholism. Meanwhile, Noor is working at her uncle's liquor store and hiding the fact that she’s applying to college so she can escape him and Juniper forever. Sal and Noor must ask themselves what friendship is worth and what it takes to defeat the monsters in their pasts and the ones in their midst. This is an emotional and moving story about friendship, forgiveness, and heartache; it’s like taking a deep dive into a pool full of emotions. Grief, betrayal and forgiveness, loss, rage— you will feel every single one and more in this book. No one from our book club was able to finish this book with dry eyes. There are so many topics that were brought up and all were not easy to discuss: death, drugs, prejudice, and physical abuse. The writing is absolutely wonderful—Sabaa Tahir is a fabulous storyteller. She has a way with words that touches each of her readers.“
Get Woke Book Club “Members arrived with books displaying colorful post-it tabs, which visually reflected the common greeting, 'there is so much to think about in this novel!A group of mothers and grandmothers very much enjoyed the novel by a young adult author and its detailed and realistic picture of the struggles that immigrants face in relocating to the United States and of the family traditions and secrets that follow the immigrants to their new home. The culture and religious traditions of Pakistan were vividly described in an engaging storyline and beautiful prose. The main plot follows the lives of two Pakistani teens, who are struggling with school, personal tragedies, and love. They are surrounded by other well-drawn characters who add depth to the story. We discussed the many plot lines and themes: diversity, forgiveness, hope, family relationships, communication, secrecy, and loss. Tahir fills the novel with music, probably an excellent technique for adolescent readers—they can easily relate to the messages and emotions through familiar songs. Noor uses songs and their lyrics to help cope with the conflicts in her life.
Members shared selfies with short reflections: “Music plays a role in helping us deal with life’s adversities.* When is a relationship worth salvaging? *Fortunately forgiveness does not have an expiration date. It waits and always hopes to be the last word. *Peeling through the complicated layers of life we can see, appreciate and begin to understand one another. * One of my favorite quotes ‘Great passions grow into monsters in the dark of the mind; but if you share them with loving friends they remain human, they can be endured.’ * Tahir effectively introduces sections with lines from Elizabeth Bishop's poem, “One Art. Many characters ‘lost’ things: family, money, businesses, dignity. A lesson we all may need is that losing isn’t always bad.: 'the art of losing’s not too hard to master’ *While keeping a secret is meant to protect someone at some point, keeping that secret might be doing more harm.”
CT Lit Book Club: "We’ve been exploring new genres, and we enjoyed ALL MY RAGE, a heartbreaking story that touches on a lot of sensitive topics which gave us plenty to discuss.ALL MY RAGE introduced us to Pakistani culture. This young adult story follows two Pakistani teens growing up in a small town in California and the grim realities of their American dream. Even through difficult times their cultural norms held them together as a family, even if not by blood, the young adult characters are each facing their own struggles—the death of a loved one, racism, alcoholism, drugs, abuse— they are navigating grief, failure, and forgiveness, and must ultimately lean on one another to make sense of the chaos they are facing. It was shocking to imagine our younger selves in situations like these and we spent time reflecting on how the kids navigated various situations. One that stood out is how Salahudin and Noor dealt with the drug bust, and how their relationship persevered. We also discussed how Salahudin came to terms with his abuse. We recommend ALL MY RAGE for clubs learning about other cultures, family drama, and historical fiction."
Kings Chapel: “Thank you for the chance to read this insightful novel. We had a fabulous discussion and I think it was good to read outside our usual genres. This is a heart-wrenching story about two teens from Pakistani families living in Juniper, California, dealing with tough circumstances, basically all by themselves. We don’t read much YA, It was out of the comfort zone for most of the ladies. but the tough topics represented in this story, such as grief, alcoholism, physical abuse, and racism, were easier to handle in the Young Adult format. Understanding why the characters made the choices they did was something we discussed quite a bit. As teens, they made decisions that were wrong but for the right reasons and it was interesting to get in the minds of these teens and try to understand why. As parents, it was hard to read at times, feeling so sad for these kids who have had such a hard life. But seeing them grow and learn from mistakes and stand up for others, gave the book a nice redemption quality in the end. Recommended for groups that enjoy YA coming of age and social justice."
Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut, Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma;
Lit Ladies Read, Melbourne, Florida; Thrillers by The Book / Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas;
Thrillers by The Book / Costa Mesa, California, CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut recommend:
THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK by Jennifer Hillier (Minotaur 7/22)
Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.
Reckless Readers: An excellent match! Everyone was excited to talk about the twists. We had much to discuss with THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK. Members were messaging before we met, needing to talk about the book as they were finishing it. It was like a month-long meeting, behind the scenes! Usually, if continuous discussion is prompted, the book was a hit. To say the book was twisty is an understatement. This book was twisty than a country back road! A few of us seasoned readers predicted the big twists, but most of us were surprised and shocked. Together, we all needed to unload about the horrendous mothering and terrible situations that Joey was put in throughout her childhood. All of the women in our group are mothers, which makes the book hit us so much harder. But the book wasn’t just about sexual abuse and trauma. There is a high-profile murder that could potentially unearth secrets that need to be kept hidden. The conversation got animated when we discussed Joelle's charge with murder, and there was much discussion about the relationship between Ruby and Joey. As mothers, we found it hard to imagine how Ruby could treat Joey the way she did and put her in such horrible situations. It was heartbreaking and disturbing ."
Chilly Thrillies: “Thank you for giving our group the gift of a 5-star read, a perfect match! We were engaged from start to finish and loved how much there was to discuss. It had the thrills of a book with great character development and storyline. We discussed narcissism and how it affects relationships, specifically parent-child, how the way you are raised affects your instincts and perspective of others, fight or flight and how we would react in certain scenarios in the book, sexual abuse, and its long-term effects, age gap relationships and how people can be evil, but the 'lesser evil.’ We debated which storyline in the dual timeline was more action-packed—something hard to accomplish. Normally, we’re more interested in one storyline, We each were able to predict one of the twists, but we're stumped on the others and loved that there was more than one twist revealed. I was so impressed, I read Hillier’s JAR OF HEARTS. Recommended for those who enjoy a page-turning thriller with complex characters that you root for."
Menu: We made a Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe similar to what Paris makes towards the end of the book (she used pork instead of chicken). We were inspired by her description of how learning to cook was so special when she was going through such a dark time.
Lit Ladies Read: “We enjoyed this twisty, thriller/mystery. and had a very lively discussion! We had so much to discuss. We enjoyed the storytelling, shifting between past and present. and different points of view. This really helped to fully develop the characters. Although some predicted twists, we were still engrossed in the story and wanted to see how things played out.
“Our discussion centered around the characters and their relationships. One of our favorites was that between Jimmy and Paris and the highlight of our discussion was the relationship between Paris/Joey and Ruby. We disagreed about how adult Paris should have handled Ruby and decided that we had to agree to disagree about our feelings towards Paris, but we all agreed that this book was a hit for our group. The mystery is multi-layered, with deep characters. Many members put other books by this author on their ‘to be read’ list."
Thrillers by the Book Club, DFW: "This was our best GalleyMatch, perfect for our group and for book clubs that like dark and twisted mysteries“We all loved how the book started with a very intriguing and captivating scene Joey’s background was very interesting and her relationship with her mother was so toxic. There are a few mysteries in the story. Besides trying to find out if Paris murdered her husband, we’re also trying to work out Paris’ past, how did she go from living with an abusive unstable mother, who is now in prison, to living a wealthy life married to a famous celebrity? I enjoyed Paris’ past the most I loved the intensity in the chapters that focused on Paris’ childhood and upbringing. Ruby, her mother, was such an intriguing and complex character—a terrible mother, self-centered and irresponsible, which caused Paris a lot of pain and uncertainty. While a few members predicted the twist, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this dark and suspenseful story.”
Thrillers by The Book, Costa Mesa: “This was an excellent pick for our club! The majority liked or loved this one! Some said it was one of their favorite picks of the year. Many of the members enjoyed the mystery of learning about the murderer in the end, and the alternating timelines of the female main character. There were a variety of opinions about who committed the crime.”
CT Lit Book Club: "This was the perfect match for us! We have been craving a thriller and this was on all of our anticipated release lists. We all enjoyed the book, and were so excited to have a chance to preview it! We discussed how jam-packed this book was with plot points. There was much to hold your attention and give you room to try and predict what would happen. We loved how creative Hillier is— there is one scene in specific that was so creative and will leave us remembering the book forever! (hint hint, ice skates). Half of us had read another book by Hillier, and we all agreed that we want to read more Hiller titles."
The Ladies of Autumnwood, Grand Isle, New York, Mom and I Book Club of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, recommend:
THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT BY Lynda Cohen Loigman (St. Martin's Press, 9/20/22)
An intergenerational story about two women—a grandmother and granddaughter—who share the same incredible gift: the ability to identify soulmates
The Ladies of Autumnwood: We loved THE MATCHMAKER’S GIFT! Reading about Raskin’s pickles and the knish shops brought back wonderful memories of shopping at a pickle store in lower Manhattan barrels with barrels on the sidewalk and enjoying a great knish. These memories, among other topics, helped to round out our animated discussion last night. Members didn’t know much about ‘yentas’ or matchmakers and their role in creating Jewish courtship relations. We enjoyed learning about the bravery of the young girl, who beyond the fact that she was Jewish opened our eyes to the challenges of women, not unlike what some have to endure to break that glass ceiling today."
Menu: “We enjoyed Challah and red wine, and took home jars of pickles that I designed with a Raskin’s label.”
My Mom and I: “This pick was perfection. Not only did it match our love of magical realism but we agreed it’s the best book we’ve read this year. You found the perfect book for us!”
“We discussed magic, love, strong women, lovable characters, and the absolute beauty of the writing. We recommend this book to those who enjoy magical realism, foodie fiction, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. The author wrote a book that we treasure and we’re raving about it to everyone. This is a book that you feel like hugging at the end. We absolutely loved it. It’s a gem! “
Menu: "A smorgasbord! We had a blast capturing foods mentioned in the book lox and capers, cornichons— we decorated pickle jars with ‘The Pickle King’, as in the book. We had magical color-changing butterfly tea, as we wanted some magic to go with the story, and chocolate babka for dessert, like our beloved characters baked.
St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; Mom and I Book Club, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania; Pittsford Moms Book Club, Pittsford, New York, and Port Wine and Book Society Readers, Port Washington, Wisconsin recommend:
OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen (St Martins, Press, 8/30/22)
A novel about a young woman who claims her deceased mother's apartment in an island town, where she meets she meets quirky and secretive neighbors.
St. Louis Women’s Book Club: "A great match! We felt like this was the perfect mix of themes, giving us questions and a variety of topics to discuss. Having an arc made us feel like ‘VIPs’ to the publishing process. This novel was cozy, nostalgic, and heartfelt! Allen’s characters help redefine the word ‘family’ in the most beautiful way. We discussed the definition of home and chosen family, food as a love language —and inspiration for potlucks for book club!! The setting—so realistic and magical, the imagery of the birds and the meaning. OTHER BIRDS takes you on a magical journey of youth, delicately balancing both beauty and sadness. We recommend this book to clubs who are fans of magical realism. It was fuzzy, cozy --the perfect happy read."
Menu: "We made amazing foods to match the book: cornmeal air-fried tomatoes, potato chips on Hawaiian rolls, Mac & cheese, cornbread, Palomas, and marshmallow popcorn."
My Mom and I: "Thank you for a rare opportunity to preview our favorite author’s new book! Sarah Addison Allen's first novel GARDEN SPELLS introduced us to our favorite genre, magical realism. I saved the book for the perfect moment and then tore into it. After waiting eight years for her new book I knew I’d read it too quickly and, that’s what happened We are Italian and loved the ‘found family’ theme and 'food is love' philosophy running through the novel. We enjoyed the foodie talk, animals, ghosts, and magical elements. All characters and storylines were interesting and mysterious; sometimes beautiful, but sometimes ugly but always interesting. Several big reveals had us slack-jawed!
While OTHER BIRDS is a little sadder and darker than her previous works, the magic and the love and the beauty left the reader with a love of the characters and a belief that as the characters live beyond 'the end' of the book all turned out well for them. And you will want that because you will be left loving nearly everything about OTHER BIRDS! We recommend this to those who like magical realism and foodie fiction."
Menu: "Cornmeal marshmallow dishes based on a character: Fluffernutters (marshmallow whip and peanut butter sandwiches), tamale pie stuffed peppers, cornmeal sugar cookies, and marshmallow-flavored lip balm as a keepsake."
Pittsford Moms: "We had so much fun with OTHER BIRDS! We loved this found family story and all the special characters! The novel was a good fit for our club. We try to switch up genres/authors and most members like books with some magic realism elements. We felt it was an easy read and generally flew through the book - Thanks! kept our attention. We loved the story of found family, the characters, and their backgrounds. Books with paranormal/magic realism can be hit or miss for most members but they worked well with this story and added background and historical context for many of the characters. We had a great discussion about the twists and the characters' diverse backgrounds— we would have liked a 
little more depth to some characters that had very traumatic backgrounds. We recommend OTHER BIRDS to groups that enjoy a touch of magic realism and found family stories!”
Menu: "S’mores bars— the story takes place on Marsh Island and all restaurants in town have something marshmallow on their menu.”
Port Wine and Book Society: "A great match for our club! We recommend this enchanting story written from the heart, with interesting characters and subplots.”Zoey was such a delightful, open and honest young character— we all adored her. We liked how the story unfolded by hearing different characters' viewpoints in each chapter. The Dellawisps added fun and interest, some of us thought they may have stolen Charlotte's money. We loved the descriptions of Mallow Island - we live in a small tourist town in Wisconsin and really identified with that. The highlighted passages in Lizbeth’s copy of Sweet Mallow were ironic because she didn't live her life according to any of them - she was so stuck in the past it literally killed her. We enjoyed a unique story, quirky characters, and the theme of food as friendship/love."
Menu: “The detail around food was great! We made several dishes with corn or cornmeal to celebrate it: Polenta and shrimp, fresh corn salad, corn dip and corn chips, and popcorn.”
CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; KU Endowment, Lawrence, Kansas; and Girls Clubhouse, Auburn, California recommend
MIRROR GIRLS by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 2/22)
A gothic horror novel about twin sisters separated across the color line after the murder of their parents (YA historical fiction/ magical realism/fantasy).
CT Lit: “MIRROR GIRLS was a great discussion starter and the perfect book to read with a group. It took us out of our comfort zone and was eye-opening, a reminder that segregation is not so far in the past. We are transported to the South—and blatant racism —which as a group of white women living in Connecticut, we don't have experience with. We follow twin sisters Magnolia and Charlie, separated at birth—one raised as Black in New York City and one raised as white-passing in the Deep South— who learn the secret everyone has kept from them. The novel portrayed how indoctrinated people were, and in some cases ready to push racism aside when it would benefit them. We discussed how Charlie's view on life differs after growing up in the more liberal Harlem and compared it to growing up in Connecticut and traveling in different areas in the United States. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy Brit Bennett's THE VANISHING HALF.”
Page Ladies: "We all enjoyed this historical fiction with a paranormal twist that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The book offered many different topics, generating a nice discussion: the time period, the girls as individuals, their different upbringings and when they came together, the decision to separate them and not tell them about each other, and much more! A wonderful story about twin girls Charlie and Magnolia who were separated after their parents died for love across the color line and have no idea the other exists. Magnolia. raised in Georgia, is the white heiress to a cotton plantation. Charlie, raised in Harlem with her Nana, is a young Black organizer. When Charlie's grandmother falls ill, they return to Georgia. When the girls do meet Magnolia discovers her reflection has disappeared. They couldn’t be more different, but they will need each other to put the hauntings of the past to rest, break the mirrors’ deadly curse, and discover the meaning of sisterhood in a racially divided land. Seeing the girls come together to create that sisterly bond was wonderful, as is the writing, and pacing. The curse and the ghosts added an interesting twist to the story.”
Girls Clubhouse: "We all enjoyed MIRROR GIRLS and we tried to capture the supernatural aspect of the book with mirror images” Charlie and Magnolia both born in the South but separated at birth live separate lives but face the double threat of racism and ghosts. We discussed how ‘Colored Town ‘is equally foreign to both girls, despite being born there; contrasting with where they were each raised. Magnolia knows the rules of the general area, while Charlie knows how things are done —how stories are told, some traditions. The concept of the veil as the place between this world and the afterlife was used by the author also as the place between the white world and the colored world, which made this gothic story much more intriguing than if it had been singularly used. This forces both girls to examine who they are and what they are willing to live with. Members enjoy supernatural books, and the idea of ghosts to help guide the characters was appealing. We found it to be a ‘light’ supernatural read. We recommend to clubs who enjoy gothic young adult novels."
KU Endowment: "Everyone loved the book. Some members were pleasantly surprised by the way supernatural elements were combined with social commentary and realistic events. The author was able to shine a light on the atrocities of slavery and segregation without being heavy-handed and shows us a playbook for fighting back through the strong and determined sisters, Charlie and Magnolia. The past can haunt us but that doesn't mean it has to control us, and love will conquer hate. One member discussed the book with her 86-year-old mother, who shared memories of her experiences during segregation. We all felt hopeful and inspired by the book and loved the characters. We talked about what it would be like not to know your origins and what would inspire someone to fight against things they know are wrong when it could cost them everything. We recommend to those that enjoy strong characters, historical fiction, and being inspired."
The Revivals Book Club The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas; Zoom-Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma
THE CICADA TREE by Robert Gwaltney, Jr.
A novel about an 11-year-old, whisky-drinking, piano prodigy who encounters a wealthy family of supernatural beauty.
The Revivals: “Have we missed out on a genre of remarkable books or were we gifted a gem in a genre we might not have read? The debut novel THE CICADA TREE soared to the top of the 2022 best reads. We dare you not to highlight dozens of richly written sentences; our galleys are filled with colorful post-it notes. The discussion questions gave deeper insight into the themes and allegories we hadn’t considered. We agreed that the book fit into genres of southern gothic, magical realism, and coming-of-age. We explored biblical allegories: good and evil, Jesus, John the Baptist, Cain and Abel, plague, water, and fire. Once every 13 years, the cicadas emerge in tremendous numbers to mate and disrupt human life and comfort; some believe they hold our secrets. Gwaltney has a gift for bringing all together in an unforgettable book appealing to multiple genres and readers. We discussed how music and the song of the Cicadas featured prominently, and the writing allowed us to hear the music as the book’s climax approached. There are themes of coming-of-age, transformation, and rebirth. Gwaltney poetically foreshadows the storyline early as the story’s protagonist, a typical tween experiencing growing pains, insecurity, and self-recrimination sheds her childhood as a cicada does. Triumphing over evil, the novel reaches an angelic and lyrical end. There are as many ways to love this book as there are to interpret it–we dare you to read it! We all loved this novel.”
Menu: Iced Tea, Autumn Apple & Feta Salad, Watermelon Salad, Feta, Mint; Skillet Cheddar Cornbread, Southern Pecan Praline Cookies, Coffee on a garden patio.
Zoom-Chilly Thrillies: We had a great time reading and discussing THE CICADA TREE, a wonderful match that pushed us out of our comfort zone, with its unique blend of genres— historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. This was a unique story! We agreed it was unpredictable and gave much to discuss. Some words members shared to describe the writing style and story were: Gothic, descriptive, imaginative, twisted, mystical, humorous, innocent, and unpredictable! We were excited about the discussion and most finished it quickly-after the halfway point, unable to put it down.
"We discussed symbolism, class differences, racism, religion, southern culture, character motivations, and family relationships. and how the main character was looking up to a family she aspired to. We discussed our childhood oddities, raised by the mention of the character's liking the feel of pain. We enjoyed that it was told through a child's lens, while dark but the child's perspective ensured curiosity and humor even when horrifying things are happeningThe writing is creative and descriptive and made us think about things such as how you hear music in a new light. The ending was haunting and beautiful and there were many shocked reactions!
"We also discussed the movies or books we thought possibly influenced the author, including REBECCA, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and MEAN GIRLS., We are eager to read Gwaltney's next novel!"
Menu: “Iced tea was sipped!"
Famished for Fiction: “A wonderful opportunity to read a complex story with a bit of mystery and unexpected twists and turns. Our group is diverse, and open to new and different genres, and appreciated the opportunity to discover this book. We discussed the focus of music and its impact on the progression of the story. Music is a major theme throughout the piece, whether it is the music Mr. Mayfield had composed for his wife or the musical virtuosity of the Mayfield children. We explored the cicada's presence: cicadas are seasonal and burrow in the ground, so they are equivalent to all of the secrets that are buzzing around the town of Providence, connecting the Mayfields to Etta Mae and Analeise, and the link between their molting and the growing pains the main characters are experiencing.”
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Books and Brew, Allendale, Michigan; Carrollton Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas;
BluStocking Literacy Society, West Allis, Wisconsin
THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET by Sara Ackerman (Mira, 8/22)
A brilliant female code breaker and a pilot on a top-secret mission come together in this dazzling story of love and intrigue set during America’s darkest hour.
Ranch Readers: Our book club enjoyed this book as we read a non-fiction WWII book about codebreakers and many have traveled to Hawaii so both the theme and setting are familiar. The storyline was realistic and we enjoyed the dual timelines with relevance at the end of the book when the characters are planting a memorial garden on the plantation. We discussed our mother's vital roles during the war, such as working in a war plant, how women were disregarded and treated as second-class citizens, and the situations where the same treatment happens today.We discussed our Hawaiian travels: topography, lava fields, ocean conditions, and coffee plantations. Those that have visited the Mauna Kea Hotel described it. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy historical fiction and WWII stories.”
Menu: “Banana chocolate chip cake/ banana pudding topping, tropical fruit salad, Huli-huli Chicken.”
BluStocking Literacy Society: “A perfect match! We enjoy historical fiction/mystery that pulls us in and we all anticipated the discussion. We discussed the timeline and connections between the two eras, and the uncertainty that women codebreakers felt reflected by Lu as she struggles to establish herself as a journalist. Isabel walked a line between expressing her intelligence and thoughts and second-guessing herself and stepping back. It was fascinating to consider women in a secret intelligence role and the obstacles they had to overcome.”
Menu: "Wacky Cake, a classic chocolate cake born of necessity for WWII rationing.”
Carrollton Book Buddies: “A brilliant female codebreaker. An ‘unbreakable’ Japanese naval code. A pilot on a top-secret mission that could change the course of WWII. My book club loved THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET! The dual timeline novel is set in Hawaii. We enjoyed discussing the amazing roles women played in World War ll. While most of us decided we'd have been secretaries, one member thought the radar plotter sounded like a fit. We appreciated that there were those that worked as mechanics, pilots ferrying planes, medics, and of course, the codebreakers! The Dungeon where the codebreakers worked and the men in charge were a hot topic-the smoke, the drinking, the snobbery, all appalling. Just the thought of approaching the stairs and entering drew lots of remarks! We read the author's explanation of the difference between codes and ciphers and concluded the codebreakers were brilliant! We discussed survivor's guilt, the way Germans, Italians, and the Japanese were treated here in the states, and men in power and misuse of that power. We appreciated the way the threads were all tied up by the ending, though a surprise. The stunning descriptions of the Mauna Kea Hotel and the surroundings have us all wishing for a trip to Hawaii. We appreciated the brilliant, unique roles of women in war."
Menu: "We met at tropical Tommy Bahamas restaurant for a chopped salad with shrimp, coconut shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Tacos. Tropical beverages included. Cloud Coconut Martinis and Jalapeno Margaritas."
Books and Brew: "The story takes place in 1943 and 1965. It's 1943, and Isabel Cooper, who has lost her older brother in the attack on Pearl Harbor, is working as a code breaker, solving Japanese naval codes. Isabel seizes an opportunity to solve codes in Hawaii to locate her brother’s friends and learn about his life. In Hawaii, she stumbles into a life-changing mystery. In 1965, aspiring journalist Lu Freitas is traveling to the Mauna Kea Hotel for its grand opening, when she befriends a famous woman. When her new friend disappears, Lu investigates and soon uncovers a missing link to the past. We discussed women in history, World War II, the relationship between the main character to her friend and her brother's friends, her internal struggle, and women's roles during the war. I was so grateful to have received this book early for my book club! I was so immersed in the characters and their story, I couldn't put it down! Five stars!"
Reading is My Cardio, Smithfield, Rhode Island; Bookish Ladies, Coto De Caza, California; Next Chapter, Leesburg, Virginia
SIX DAYS IN ROME by Francesca Giacco (Grand Central, 5/22)
A young artist travels to Rome to heal a broken heart, where she confronts loneliness and intimacy, rage and desire in this debut novel.
Reading is My Cardio: "We adored this lyrical and atmospheric debut! It was refreshing to read a book with realistically flawed characters and where not everything gets tied up in a perfect bow. This character-driven story explores relationships in so many forms - family, romantic, and with one's self - and the writing is just beautiful. Truly a perfect book for summer, transporting us to Rome for a captivating six days. We discussed how this isn't a book with a lot of plot and yet it kept us interested throughout. We loved the writing and many of us highlighted passages that we shared and discussed, and the group also touched on whether we'd be able to travel solo as the main character did. Another subject that came up was how the narrative is almost stream of consciousness which some of our group enjoyed more than others. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy being transported to another place and appreciate character-driven books about self-discovery."
Menu: "Italian-themed cocktail party featuring charcuterie, Aperol Spritzes, and a gelato bar for dessert."
Bookish Ladies: "SIX DAYS IN ROME was beautifully written We enjoyed the food and descriptions around Rome! We loved how the book was written in terms of description and character development. It was a lighter, summer read. We felt l the character had a lot to work out but she never quite figured out what it was so there were a lot of questions left up for interpretation."
Menu: Italian rosé, homemade flatbreads with Italian pesto, mozzarella, fresh basil, aged balsamic, and roasted tomatoes.
Next Chapter: “Everyone agreed that Francesca Giacco's writing was beautiful,—and it was fun to read her book looking for food and drink that members can make and enjoy at book club! Emilia heads off on a six-day trip to Rome—it was supposed to be a romantic trip with her then-boyfriend Michael. but that’s not possible as he is married! With six days in Rome, Emilia will have time to reflect on why it wouldn’t work, why she deserves better, and time to enjoy the food and wine on her trip. We discussed what we thought happened to Michael: we had differing opinions to whether he had died or was with someone else or married. During her trip, she reflects on her relationship with her father and brother, and has lots of yummy food and drink throughout. We were happy that she met someone new and Emilia Is able to focus on herself and her art. Her six days in Rome weren’t what she had planned when she booked the trip, but sometimes better things come out of bad situations. Ah, the magic of Italy! One of our members took her book to Rome and shared photos."
Menu: “We enjoyed Aperol Spritz cocktails, a charcuterie board, tiramisu, and wine-soaked grapes”.
THE GOOD SISTER by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 2021)
A psychological thriller about the lies that bind two sisters.
Peoria Book Rack: “We agreed it was fast-paced and a quick read. The story keeps you guessing as you try to figure out the family dynamic between sisters Rose and Fern. the journals, their relationship with the mom, the twists! We also discussed Hepworth's versatility as an author. She has a solid list of backlist books that many of us are excited to check out! We recommend for book clubs that enjoy family thrillers.”
Thrillers by the Book: “Everyone loves Sally Hepworth, and this was a favorite! A likable main character and a fun story. We talked about representation in books, and the importance of character-driven books, and how her writing style is relatable and easy to read."
Novels N Latte: “Perfect for our club. We love good twisted family dynamics, and this sister story gave us a lot to discuss, including Fern's autism spectrum and which was actually the good sister.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, East Lawrence High School Book Club of Trinity, Alabama, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, and North Wales Area Library Book Club, Pennsylvania
DARK AND SHALLOW LIES by Ginny Myers Sain (Penguin Teen, 2021)
A supernatural thriller about a teen girl who disappears from her small town deep in the bayou, where magic festers beneath the surface of the swamp.
Reckless Readers: The story hooked the teens— they enjoyed the love story and the witchy aspect, and our adult readers also loved the book. We included teen daughters who wanted to join, and teachers and librarians in the group who wanted to preview it before ordering for their locations. A few of them have not read YA books, so it was a nice and unexpected change for them. We liked the Southern setting, and how the author submerged us in Bayou. From gigantic gators ( Willie Nelson) to psychic abilities, shapeshifter, and Aurora readers, this book is a full experience. The end was shocking and fit the story. We recommend this book for those that enjoy a hint of magic within a southern setting.
Menu: "Southern delights mentioned in the book: Honey’s Pralines, Willie Nelson’s Gator Piss cocktail—with Midori, lime juice, rum, sweet & sour mix, and seltzer—Cajun wings and shrimp dip."
North Wales Area Library: “Our group had one of the best discussions we can remember!”This was an excellent selection and discussion. The book brought the Louisiana bayou setting to life. One member was raised in the area and she especially thought the setting description was spot on. The group wondered why the word ‘shallow’ was included in the title: The lies did not seem shallow. We debated the killer, books were pulled out and theories shared. The hurricane preparation made for interesting reading. We discussed why an outside investigation might not have happened. All said they would read another Sain book and looked forward to the next book in the series. We hope to have our adult group discuss DARK AND SHALLOW LIES with our teen book club! Our group rates books with 1-5 stars. The lowest rating in the group was 4.5! We recommend this book to clubs who enjoy reading outside of the box.”
ELHS Book Club: “Thank you for providing yet another wonderful book for our students! We discussed the setting bayous, swamps, cypress trees, alligators, shrimp boats and houses on stilts. The author did an excellent job painting a picture for the reader. We also discussed mental illness which is woven into the plot through a couple of characters via subtle behaviors and downright craziness.
Menu: jambalaya, gumbo, and pistolette rolls.
Book Club Girls: “Don't be turned away by the YA label, this book is for all ages. It was completely off our radar as far as genre, and many readers gave it five stars, and couldn't believe it was a debut novel. One member stayed up until 5 am to finish— she just had to know the end! The writing was fantastic. We discussed the book is marketed as a YA title, however, NONE of us are near that demographic We felt the characters could be aged up to the 30s and 40' and still make sense—they were just as vital to the storyline as the plot. We felt the novel touched on mystery and supernatural themes but also the deep-rooted impact of emotional trauma that shapes us. We discussed how keeping secrets buried for so many years by everyone caused so much heartache and pain. If truths were told from the start, what would the lives of the children have been like?? A great evening with lots of thoughtful discussions and fun had by all."
Menu: Hurricane Punch, crawfish, gator bites, cajun fried catfish, and cornbread.
Lit Ladies Read Book Club of Melbourne, Florida and Thrillers by the Book of Costa Mesa, California
THE YOUNGER WIFE by Sally Hepworth, (St. Martins Press, 4/22)
A new novel of domestic suspense that delves into a tangled web of family secrets, and lies.
Lit Ladies Read: "We loved this book and had a great discussion, which centered on the theme of perceived reality. We had a great debate about whether Stephen was actually an abuser or just misunderstood. The epilogue raised more questions than provided answers. Our group had varying opinions depending on which character’s perspective we were discussing. We all enjoyed the ambiguous nature of the ending and agreed it was very clever. It was a lot of fun to discuss our own opinions and debate what we believed to be the truth. Some of our members took the book at face value, while others questioned what we had read and what we believed to be the truth.
"We liked how the story was told with alternating points of view and followed along easily when the perspective changed. The book dealt with some serious topics but was written in a very light-hearted way that made it a quick enjoyable read."
Menu: “Heather would have been proud! We met at a country club, in true Aston fashion. We had Mahi tacos and quesadillas in honor of Rachel and Darcy’s first date.”
Thrillers by the Book: "A perfect match! We’re big fans of Sally Hepworth! We loved the intriguing vibe the author created by not revealing right away who was involved in the accident from the opening scene. The story is based on many factors, dysfunctional family dynamics, abusive relationships, addiction, mental issues, and so many juicy secrets. We enjoyed Sally’s writing style and the characters she created. Sally has a way of making her characters very relatable and down to earth. We also enjoyed how she connected a piece of her real-life to one of the scenes in this book. Some of the secondary characters seemed to love Stephen but Heather and his kids suspect him of being abusive. The ending left us wondering if Stephen was in actual fact abusive. The women around him suffered a lot of 'accidents' but it’s never clear if they were really accidents or intentional. We recommend this title for book clubs that enjoy a family drama with a hint of suspense. Thank you for spoiling our book club!"
Page Ladies of Cleveland, Ohio, Bibliobibuli of San Diego, California, and HAH Reading Club of Kaukama, Wisconsin
THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY by Sherri L. Smith ((Penguin Young Readers, 2//20)
From the award-winning author of Flygirl comes this powerful WWII romance between two Japanese teens caught in the cogs of an unwinnable war.
Page Ladies: “Thank you for sharing this amazing, compelling, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking story about life in Japan during World War II. We were surprised by how much research went into it, and we are always interested in books that can teach us something. The story switches between Taro and Hana's perspectives so we see two sides of the story and what each experienced. Could we imagine being Hana, having to take care of the kamikaze pilots and then say goodbye to them, knowing that they will more than likely die? We talked about Hana and the pilot—how they felt at the beginning of the book versus the end— as well as the choices that surprised us and whether we would do the same. This was an emotional read and the pace moves well with the story."
Bibliobibuli: “Our members enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY, and our chat with author Sherri Smith was especially enjoyable. The novel is a fictionalized account of young kamikaze pilots and the teen-aged girls who provided platonic camaraderie and emotional support to them during World War II. Smith employs lyrical prose to introduce the reader to war-torn Japan and the youth culture that rallied around Emperor Hirohito. We appreciated learning more about the Japanese perspective on World War II. Hana’s disparaging remarks about Americans made us realize that we had never heard from the youth of Japan about the events of the war."
HAH Reading Club: We really enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY and its different perspectives on World War II We discussed how the novel reminded us of the current situation with the Ukrainian and Russian war. The author talked about remembering so it doesn’t happen again, and we discussed how emotional we felt about the abuse, propaganda, and conditioning that happened to prepare the civilians and boys for the war.
We compared how the reading of trauma and the emotional impact, ranges based on the age of the reader. We discussed the comparison of how being ready for death in a moment you can’t control, such as a reaction to an air raid, and the premeditated preparation of the pilots to body-crash was handled and how the author gave us both views. We also found how the invasion was perceived after all the preparations made to fight to the death as the expectation from the government. We recommend this novel to clubs looking for an emotional experience with a dive into other cultures."
The Ladies of Autumnwood, Grand Isle, New York, Mom and I Book Club of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, recommend:
THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT BY Lynda Cohen Loigman (St. Martin's Press, 9/20/22)
An intergenerational story about two women—a grandmother and granddaughter—who share the same incredible gift: the ability to identify soulmates
The Ladies of Autumnwood: We loved THE MATCHMAKER’S GIFT! Reading about Raskin’s pickles and the knish shops brought back wonderful memories of shopping at a pickle store in lower Manhattan barrels with barrels on the sidewalk and enjoying a great knish. These memories, among other topics, helped to round out our animated discussion last night. Members didn’t know much about ‘yentas’ or matchmakers and their role in creating Jewish courtship relations. We enjoyed learning about the bravery of the young girl, who beyond the fact that she was Jewish opened our eyes to the challenges of women, not unlike what some have to endure to break that glass ceiling today."
Menu: “We enjoyed Challah and red wine, and took home jars of pickles that I designed with a Raskin’s label.”
My Mom and I: “This pick was perfection. Not only did it match our love of magical realism but we agreed it’s the best book we’ve read this year. You found the perfect book for us!”
“We discussed magic, love, strong women, lovable characters, and the absolute beauty of the writing. We recommend this book to those who enjoy magical realism, foodie fiction, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. The author wrote a book that we treasure and we’re raving about it to everyone. This is a book that you feel like hugging at the end. We absolutely loved it. It’s a gem! “
Menu: "A smorgasbord! We had a blast capturing foods mentioned in the book lox and capers, cornichons— we decorated pickle jars with ‘The Pickle King’, as in the book. We had magical color-changing butterfly tea, as we wanted some magic to go with the story, and chocolate babka for dessert, like our beloved characters baked.
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Lincoln Square Book Club, Chicago, Illinois, Books N Cooks, Elk Grove, California; Teachers Talking Tales, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Epicurean Readers, Fremont, California
TARTUFO by Kira Jane Buxton (Grand Central, 1/25)
A cast of colorful characters in a dying Italian village and a giant truffle that changes their fate forever.
Epicurean Readers: “The group loved the variety of characters in TARTUFO, their relationship, and how seemingly the truffle which initially would seem to be the heart of the story, is a catalyst to getting to know all these wonderful people. The food-focused angle of this book and the subject matter were excellent for our group. We recommend it to those who enjoy cultural escapes, Italian heritage, and colorful characters.”
Menu: "Aperol spritz cocktails, antipasto, caprese salad, porcini truffle risotto, pork ragu (in lieu of wild boar ragu!) with pappardelle, eggplant parmigiana, tiramisu, ciambella cake, gelato, Italian wines."
Lincoln Square: "Everyone enjoyed TARTUFO and commented the imagery was so rich, they could see, smell, or feel like we were there.As a group that loves travel, we appreciated the setting. Many of us have been to Tuscany and appreciated the imagery. We spoke about how the small towns we’ve been to are vibrant and touristy, and we found it interesting to hear about a struggling town. We recommend TARTUFO to those who enjoy stories about quirky characters in a beautiful but difficult setting.“
Teachers Talking Tales: "This was a great surprise and the match was perfect! We read across genres and this big, messy character dram-com fit right in with our varied choices. Readers loved the Italian setting, the interconnectedness of characters, and the madcap adventure of it all. It spoke both to quiet and loud readers. We recommend it to those who enjoy big romps with laughter and heart."
Books N Cooks: "A great match as we all love food, travel, different cultural experiences, and historical fiction We enjoyed the character development, the story made me feel as if I were in the village. When we travel, we like to explore off-the-beaten paths and get to know the locals. I also loved the animals —Al Pacino the cat and Mauricio the donkey. The story sparked conversations about our travels to Italy and food. One member commented that they like the juxtaposition of old and new such as the old barn and village and Zoom calls."
Between Friends, Easton, Pennsylvania and Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey
THE CHRISTMAS INN by Pamela Kelley (St. Martins’s Press, 9/24)
A tale of second chances, family bonds, and rekindled romance set in a cozy Cape Cod inn during the magical Christmas season
Between Friends: “Members enjoyed this charming, feel-good holiday read— a good match as we enjoy women’s fiction, beach locations, and theme meetings”
We loved the author’s engaging writing style, relatable characters, and the positive, heartwarming message about finding where you belong and embracing change.
"We found the novel’s themes around life’s disappointments—job loss, relationship shifts, and the challenge of learning to trust again after being hurt—deeply relatable. The idea that disappointment can sometimes lead to a better, unexpected path resonated with many of us. We appreciated how Kelley allowed the characters to navigate complex emotions like sadness, loneliness, and the resilience of facing life’s challenges.
Menu: “We recreated the Christmas theme from the novel’s cozy bed and breakfast. Our table was set with festive red plates, wine glasses, and an assortment of dishes including quiche, blueberry French toast casserole, scones and muffins, Prosecco, evening wine and cheese, and boxes of truffles as favors, mirroring the ones placed on pillows each night at the inn in the story.”
Book Club Girls: “Absolutely perfect for anyone looking for small town, second chance, family driven, warm and fuzzy holiday feels. This was our second Pamela Kelley book and everyone enjoyed it. We discussed the setting, a favorite part of the book One member loves the Chatham setting so much she posted links to the Chatham Lighthouse, Edaville Family Theme Park and the Chatham Candy manor. Many members have not visited Chatham and we discussed taking a road trip next year
We enjoyed the characters—and the ending. Members said the novel put them in the Christmas spirit., and perfect for a night in with your favorite hot beverage and warm slippers, and a blanket! The food descriptions made us wish we were guests at the Inn.”
Menu: “We suggest a hot cocoa and dessert bar or wine and cheese night as a tribute to the gatherings at the Inn.”
Famished for Fiction, Frisco, Texas; Literary Ladies' Society, Belvidere/Rockford, Illinois; Colonies Book Club, Yorkville, Illinois; Epicurean Reads, Fremont, California
THE WHISPER SISTER by Jennifer Brown (Lake Union, 9/24)
In Prohibition-era New York, a young immigrant girl navigates the hardships of Ellis Island and runs her family's speakeasy as she learns that the streets of New York are not paved with gold.
Famished for Fiction: “We truly enjoyed this historical fiction. We love historical fiction and stories highlighting the struggles and successes of women. We discussed America being the land of opportunity for many people but the struggles ensuing as families try to achieve the American dream. Minnie is in a difficult situation caring for her sisters after the death of their mother. Reading about her struggle to do what was best for them was gut-wrenching. We cheered her on as she took over her father's speakeasy and made it lucrative. We were intrigued by the concept of the speakeasy and its role in 1940s America."
Menu: "We met at a speakeasy in Frisco, Texas for cocktails in honor of our book."
The Colonies: "We were captivated by this marvelous story set in the Prohibition era, unanimously giving it a five-star rating. Jennifer joined our meeting virtually and shared her journey to writing The Whisper Sister, inspired after stumbling upon the term ‘whisper sisters’ and becoming intrigued by the Prohibition era. Our club has a particular interest in the 1920s and 1930s, as these were transformative decades for the nation and especially for women.
Jennifer’s research on Prohibition and the secretive world of speakeasies was fascinating. She explained the challenges of crafting this story, including her in-depth newspaper research about Speakeasy Nights, a news column from the Prohibition era. Hearing how such a “secret” was also publicly known was eye-opening. We especially appreciated her insights into the Jewish and Italian mobsters of the time and the corruption within law enforcement.
A standout for us was Millie, the main character, and her bravery in stepping into roles typically reserved for men during a time when women’s rights were limited. In today’s cultural context, reflecting on the hard-won rights of women that are still under scrutiny made this especially relevant.
Jennifer was warm, engaging, and insightful, and we thoroughly enjoyed her book and our conversation with her. We look forward to exploring more of her work. We recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong characters and heart."
Menu: Mary Pickford cocktails paired beautifully with potato knishes and pickles.
Literary Ladies' Society: "This era and setting were new for us, offering a fresh glimpse into immigrant family life and the Prohibition era. Despite some of Minnie’s poor choices, she emerged as a likable and resilient character. We also contrasted the urban Prohibition experience with the rural lives of our ancestors. The extent of Jennifer Brown’s research for this book was impressive and enhanced our appreciation."
Menu: "Borscht, potato knishes, challah bread, babka, and perekladanets along with the mock cocktails recipe provided."
Epicurean Readers: “We had a lively discussion, This was a great pick, especially for those of us who enjoy historical fiction. We discussed immigration. the interaction between characters, the difficult decisions Minnie needs to make, the historical interest of speakeasies, organized crime, and the depression. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction about old New York City and organized crime."
Menu: “We feasted on excellent food revolving around the books' theme: bagels with fixings, knishes, roasted chicken, cabbage, challah bread, pastrami, lokshen kugel, chopped chicken liver, several salads, veggies, and cocktails: The Mary Pickford, Manhattans."
The Literary Lovelies Book Club of Yonkers, New York; Ranch Readers Book Club of Littleton, Colorado
EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE by Natalie Jenner (St. Martin's Press, 5/14)
A novel about love and art, grief and memory, and confronting the past and facing the future.
The Literary Lovelies: “We loved the period and the Italian location was incredible! In 1955, Vivien Lowry encountered a pivotal moment in her life. Despite the initial success of her play in London’s West End, harsh reviews crush her theatrical dreams. With her future uncertain, she heeds her friend Peggy Guggenheim’s advice and embarks on a journey to Rome’s Cinecitta Studios, where she dives into the bustling world of filmmaking. Amidst rising stars and acclaimed directors, Vivien navigates a landscape torn between past struggles and future promise, all while confronting personal demons from World War II and the mystery surrounding her late fiancé.
"The novel led to a great discussion. We discussed the influence of the Catholic Church, especially in such a religious country as Italy. We were fascinated by the David plotline and the Hollywood celebrities sprinkled throughout the book. would recommend this book to book clubs who love historical fiction with a Hollywood twist."
Ranch Readers: “EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE was intriguing, a complex and character-rich historical fiction novel that led to a lively book club discussion. We were enlightened by the story's depiction of Rome's La Cinecitta, the world’s second-largest movie studio. We learned about the Italian resistance fighters, a topic that we had not read much about before, which led to a lengthy discussion about fascism, and the displaced persons camp that the movie studio was used for.
We felt one of the most endearing characters in the book was Levi Bassano, a New York scriptwriter and a WWII soldier whose story led to his recounting of not just the prejudice and fears that Italians of Jewish heritage faced, but also the post-war investigations being held in America, and the child he was able to help survive during one of the battles in Italy. We were also shocked at the Cardinal Marchetti's ultimate secret and how the Vatican handled it. Many subplots made us stop reading to ponder. We found the character development and their interactions to be quite captivating. The author blended real Hollywood and Italian movie stars, producers, directors, and writers of the 1950s with fictional ones and gave them intricate personalities and histories. We were inspired to read Ms. Jenner's first novels, especially as we are all fans of Jane Austen and had not read THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY."
Menu: "Italian theme: Italian Almond Torte and Lemon Ricotta Pie and espresso."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan
STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE by Lisa Gardner Grand Central, 3/24)
Frankie Elkin is an expert at finding the missing persons that the rest of the world has forgotten, but even she couldn’t have anticipated this latest request—to locate the long-lost sister of a female serial killer facing execution in three weeks’ time.
Book Club Girls of Sparta: We love suspenseful thrillers, and STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE was a great introduction to this new to most of us author. The most intriguing aspect of the story was how many characters risked their safety with immediate medical, transport, and communication issues to work on an island resort project. Additionally, many readers noted Kaylee's remarkable ability to manipulate those around her. The feedback from our members was positive. The vivid descriptions of the island made a few readers feel as though they were living there. Many of us finished the book in just a few days and found it to be the perfect escape-read —perfect for the beach. We agreed that suspending disbelief was necessary to fully enjoy the story. The cover was beautiful, and we were thrilled to hold a finished copy in our hands."
Book Club Girls of Sparta: “We suggest crab cake appetizers, spicy spaghetti bolognese, and a deep rich red wine to give a nod to the events in the book and the famous poke bowl."
Reading Between the Wines: “We enjoyed STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE. The propulsive plot kept us going!”We love thrillers so this was a great match for our book club. The novel promoted much discussion about generational trauma, the lack of attention given to missing girls of Hawaiian descent, and the itinerant lifestyle of Frankie Elkin, among other topics. We recommend to those who enjoy fast-paced thrillers and strong female characters.”
Menu: “Poké bowls from a local restaurant, The Poké Bar in honor of the book’s setting. We also served pineapple and coconut macarons."
The Grim Readers, Eastford, Connecticut; Boy's Book Club, San Jose, California; Hamilton High School Staff Book Club, Hamilton, Michigan; Wendy’s Book Club, Malibu, California; OverReaders Anonymous, Cumming, Georgia; Kings Chapel Book Club, Arrington Tennessee
A CALAMITY OF SOULS by David Baldacci (Grand Central, 4/24)
A mystery set in southern Virginia in 1968 about a racially-charged murder case.
Grim Readers: "Every member loved A CALAMITY OF SOULS!The serious Baldacci fans in the group were excited to get early copies of his newest book There was much to discuss, especially in dissecting the differences between civil rights and racism in the 60s and now. Baldacci nailed the racist vibe of small-town 1968. Violence, hypocrisy, and injustice are forefront, but so is kindness. The relationships between the white male lawyer (Jack) and the Black female lawyer (Desiree) show a powerhouse team despite color and cultural differences. Also, we questioned whether the case would have gone so well if it was just one or the other lawyer handling it, as opposed to both of them. This was my first Baldacci book and I'm now a fan. It was never boring, and I flew through the thick book in two days. I see what the fuss is about."
Boy's Book Club of San Jose: “The captivating plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting provided ample fodder for discussion, and we debated the novel's themes long into the evening." - “The novel introduces readers to retired detective John Miller, whose peaceful retirement is shattered by a series of macabre murders. Miller is a compelling protagonist, his internal struggles and haunted past adding depth to the story. As middle-aged men, we found his journey of redemption and self-discovery particularly resonant, and we appreciated Baldacci's nuanced portrayal of his character. Baldacci's wove together elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. The pacing was brisk, with each twist and turn left us eager to learn the truth behind the town's dark secrets and reminded us of how much we appreciate a good mystery.”
“Hamilton Michigan) High School Staff: "A phenomenal match! A CALAMITY OF SOULS was a perfect choice for our group of educators, including many history and literature teachers. This was the first reading selection members unanimously gave a book a 5-star review. Everyone loved the novel. We noted the allusions to To Kill a Mockingbird with comments such as, ‘it felt like a modern-day twist to the book.’ The story evoked strong reactions and personal connections were shared. Much of the discussion centered on race. It sparked conversations about how far our country has come and we still have to go. This is a powerful book for all people to read.
Wendy’s Book Club: “We grew up in the 1960s and 70s but were still young during the time the book took place. Most of us are from the South, and we found it shocking to read the descriptions of unfairness and cruelty” .
“This was a great match for us as we enjoy thrillers. Our most lively discussion topics were about the treatment of Blacks during this time. We found the treatment of Blacks abhorrent—It was fine for them to serve their White bosses but not use the facilities in the homes where they worked all day. Also, how the racial divide caused by Jim Crow laws continued, despite them being overturned, and the lengths the opposition went to during the trial to set up Jerome Washington. We all enjoyed the book and were saddened by the story. The ending was completely unexpected. We recommend to those who enjoy courtroom dramas and historical fiction.”
Menu: "Pot roast (mentioned in the book) with all the fixings, biscuits, and bundt cake for dessert."
OverReaders Anonymous: A CALAMITY OF SOULS was a great match for our book club and a timely read. Everyone enjoyed the book. A timely read as we continue to face racism and racially motivated crimes in our country We appreciated looking at this period through the author’s eyes and research. We discussed our perspective on racism as we experienced growing up in different parts of the country. We thought the first chapter was powerful as Jerome was arrested and this scene immediately connected history to the present and helped initiate our discussion. We discussed how people are resistant to change how it is hard to take a stand for what is right, and the barriers that stand in the way of social justice. We discussed the most compelling character in the book, Hilda Lee, and her transformation—she changed significantly when she moved and her relocation altered her values and behaviors. Recommended for those who enjoy well-developed characters, good storytelling, courtroom dramas, and historical fiction set in the late 1960s."
King's Chapel “Our book club found A CALAMITY OF SOULS, set in Virginia in the late 1960s, to be an excellent match. We enjoy historical fiction and are located in the South, which made the book's themes particularly resonant. Our members come from diverse backgrounds, and this sparked rich discussion about racial tensions in the South, both during the 60s and up to the present day. One member, originally from the North, learned a great deal about the Southern experience. We noted many similarities to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and John Grisham’s A Time to Kill.
The author’s note highlights the personal journey and extensive research that went into the book, which was evident in the detailed narrative. Our discussions touched on challenging topics such as racism, women’s rights, classism, and the progress made and yet to be achieved in these areas. We highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction set in the Jim Crow era South.”
Menu: "Southern food—fried chicken, coleslaw, cucumber salad, banana bread, buffalo chicken dip, various desserts."
TBR Book Club, Charlotte, North Carolina; Chapter by Chapter, Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri
THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS by Tracey Garvis Graves (St. Martins Press, 3/24)
A novel about two lost souls finding the unexpected courage to love again.
Chapter by Chapter: “THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS was a good match, and resulted in much discussion! Everyone liked the book's premise: two broken-hearted souls seeking solace outdoors while geocaching. While no members have geocached, several were interested in trying it. We talked about how trauma and PTS can cloud one’s judgment, affect their ability to make rational decisions, communicate with others, and affect their ability to develop healthy relationships. A few members have fostered/adopted children and could relate to Wren’s strong desire to form a connection with Birdie’s half-siblings.
One member raved about the author's novels ON THE ISLAND and A GIRL HE USED TO KNOW, and we have added these selections to our ‘want to read’ list! We were divided on how the plot played out, which led to a great discussion! A light and easy perfectly paced book with well-developed characters.“
Menu: "Skyline Chili—two, three, or four ways! We also had sausage and mushroom pizza (the member who brought it refused to order ham and pineapple on half. As a nod to the multiple breakfast scenes, the dessert was croissant bread pudding topped with maple syrup."
Happy Bookers: “We admired Wren’s resilience and fortitude in putting forth, and staying with, what was best for her and her life, having learned from her past heartaches. Her bravery and strength in forging forward amidst her adversities were hailed as great attributes- could we have done the same in her shoes was a point of discussion. Marshall’s gentleness and understanding while dealing with his own issues and sorrows won us over repeatedly. There is depth to this story and the choices opened up much to discuss. We were familiar with geocaching but did not know much about it. A member provided a cache with the motorcycle that was key in the story. The same member and her family hiked frequently and provided pictures of Crater Lake and many things that were staples within the trail life portrayed in this story. We were rooting for Wren and Marshall. It was heartening to us to see the good in Marshall. THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS reigns high among our top reads for the relationship that unfolds. Recommended for those who enjoy a romantic venture with depth and with a setting and premise to learn much from. A member’s cozy log home by the fireplace was the perfect place to discuss the hiking adventures of these two who tried their hand at geocaching in beautiful areas of the United States."
Menu: “Pizza played a role within the romance—our hostess served pizza and a delicious salad.”
TBR Book Club: “We had a great discussion, including what we would have felt in Wren's circumstance, and when/if we would have done things following her timeline, such as sharing with Marshall about being pregnant or waiting like she did, or visiting her ex’s widow to establish that relationship especially so early. Members held varying perspectives, making the discussion engaging. The read was swift and straightforward, yet it possessed depth."
Lit Ladies, Melbourne, Florida; Tequila Mockingbird, Massapequa Park, New York; Literary Lounge, Clovis, California; Spines & Wines, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
BYE, BABY by Carola T. Lovering (St. Martins Press, 3/24)
A novel about female friendship, a missing baby, and the toxic, secret history between two women.
Thrillers by the Book Club: “Our book club reads thrillers, and, recently delved into BYE, BABY, an engaging read, perfect for our interests. We were hooked by the first chapter involving the main character and a baby. the discussions within our group were rich and varied. Part of our conversation centered on friendship, particularly the complexities of long-standing relationships from childhood. We explored how friendships evolve, sometimes leading to a natural drift apart, yet a lingering sense of care remains. The book led us to reflect on our experiences with seemingly one-sided friendships and how we've navigated them. Billie's intense fixation on Cassie initially struck us as excessive, but as the story unfolded and revealed her past traumas, we understood her motivations better. Our discussions also touched on how these traumas influenced Billie's determination to sustain her friendship with Cassie, despite the latter's manipulative and self-centered nature. Members were eager to recommend the book to others, especially those who enjoy themes including complicated friendships, the use of dual perspectives, and timelines."
Literary Lounge: “So thankful for the opportunity to read BYE, BABY We really enjoyed it, and couldn’t put it down! A perfect match for our book club! We all enjoyed this story of a toxic friendship, the influencer culture, and how it can change people. We appreciated the story's timeline and how it went back and forth between the origin of Cassie and Billie’s friendship to their current status as friends We discussed how ridiculous people can get with influencers and that whole culture. We recommend to those who enjoy books about toxic friendships.”
Spines & Wines: “The short chapters including the dual points of view and timelines, kept us intrigued as the story unravels their friendship throughout the years. The author perfectly depicts events that pulled their friendship apart and revealed the deepest secrets that bonded Cassie and Billie together. We all liked and hated Billie and Cassie at different points throughout the novel. The most interesting topics were the scenario questions that the book prompted. For example, the role of social media, materialism, Grant’s view of his wife’s business, and defining a healthy friendship! We wanted more details to unravel juicier minor storylines. Recommended for those who enjoy stories about toxic friendships, alternating timelines, and suspense novels!"
Lit Ladies Read: "Alternating points of view made this a page-turner. We also loved that social media is a huge part of the story We all enjoyed this easy read that was a thought-provoking look at friendship and motherhood. This book was character-driven, and we had a lengthy discussion about Billie and Cassie. We discussed our initial thoughts of each character and how these thoughts changed as we learned their stories. We agreed that we didn’t like Cassie in the beginning and our dislike of Cassie only grew over time. While with Billie, we grew to like her more as the story progressed. Even though Billie did something terrible, we felt for her and did not want to see her get caught or get in trouble. We appreciated how the ending wrapped up the story We recommend to those who enjoy dramas about friendship."
Sisterhood Book Club, Macon, Georgia; Beth El Synagogue Book Club, Omaha Nebraska; Newly Revisioned Bookclub, St. Albans, Vermont; Key Women Educators, Villages, Florida; Teachers Who Read, Columbus, Ohio
ADAM UNREHEARSED by Don Futterman (Post Hill Press, 11/23)
A coming-of-age comedy set in New York in 1970— a story of friendship, betrayal, life, death, and acting,
Beth El Synagogue: “A Perfect match! We were all impressed by the writing style and content, especially for a debut novel Truly a 5Many of our members grew up in the NYC area and were very family with locations, schools mentioned, and curriculum! We could all relate to the 1970 time frame and recall the events highlighted in the narrative.
The highlight of our discussion was connecting with the author, Don Futterman, by Zoom. He graciously spoke for a long time about the background and content of the book and answered our questions, reminisced about growing up in 1970's NYC and the freedom children experienced then. We discussed his friends, family, synagogue how he decided to move to Israel, and his thoughts on the current situation. It was a fantastic opportunity to read and meet the author. Recommended for those who enjoy a coming of age story and learning about Jewish life in NYC 1970s”
Menu: In honor of Adam's Bar Mitzvah, we served a dessert buffet.
Newly Revisioned: “ADAM UNREHEARSED was a great match for our book club, and provided fodder for great discussion. Members felt the issues rang true for the community and enjoyed exploring them alongside the main character. We all loved that Adam became so immersed in the theater, and appreciated the power it had to help him find his own way, make new friends, and explore his confusing world through a piece of literature. The scenes from DAWN were so vividly described that we could feel the scene unfolding before our very eyes. We also agreed that the development of Adam's character was spot-on. We REALLY liked him— such a big heart!" Recommended for those who enjoy books about young adults with a social message.”
Sisterhood: “We delved into Adam's emotional journey, particularly focusing on his feelings of betrayal when his friends ostracized and bullied him, especially after his attempt to steal comic books resulted in getting caught on his first foray into wrongdoing. We also explored social shifts, such as the changing seating plans for his bar mitzvah, and the ebb and flow of friendships, with old ones dissolving and new ones forming. Through trials, Adam emerged with increased self-esteem and eventually reconciled with his friends, despite the initial confusion and hurt caused by their unexpected hostility.”
Teachers Who Read: “We liked Adam and the 1970s time period. Education was very different at that time and as teachers, we like to compare and contrast! None of us participated in theater growing up so that was fun to read about, along with the educational aspect. We discussed What schools looked like in the '70s and how different it is from the world without cell phones and technology. We all liked it and had many scenes stayed with us. This book has many discussion points as Adam matures in the coming-of-age story so it's perfect for book club! Recommended for those who enjoy books that lead to much discussion and have a main character you are rooting for!”
Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas, and Circle of Readers Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
HENDERSON HOUSE by Caren Simpson McVicker
A boardinghouse tale of sisters, secrets, and later-in-life romance (8/1/23, Inkshares)
Carrollton Book Buddies: "We unanimously loved HENDERSON HOUSE and are anxiously awaiting the sequel!" Our club especially enjoyed the storytelling Caren weaves into the plot and the suspense of family secrets and sister loyalty. One of the threads in the novel is women in the workplace in the early 1940s. We discussed jobs women from past generations have held, from millinery shops in south Texas to restaurants in Germany! We shared our versions of ‘self-talk,’ kitchen ladies from church, the supporting roles of the ‘menfolk’ and their impact on the story, and sister relationships.
Henderson House is a relaxing respite from the busy world we live in. The novel is a flashback to 1940s Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and the simpler life of Wednesday night church suppers, Saturdays at the local cinema, and Sunday walks in the park after church. Based on family history and stories, Caren’s main character, Mildred Henderson, turns her grand home into a boarding house after the unexpected death of her husband. Mrs. H. and her beagle, Louie, captivate readers as she uses her special gifts— sensing houses and seeing a person’s color and an interview checklist to choose her tenants. Frank Davis, a newly hired petroleum engineer at Philips Petroleum, checks all the boxes, changing the lives of the other boarders, the Blackwell family. In a few weeks, readers fall in love with Mrs. H.’s wisdom and Frank’s mild-mannered, genuine interest in the family, but most importantly his attraction to spinster Bessie, and where their friendship might lead. Dinners around the table with boarders recounting the day’s activities, unique recipes shared, and even cooking lessons make food and conversation tantalizing.
We recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction set in mid-20th century America."
Menu: "From the author’s HENDERSON HOUSE Recipe Collection: Appetizers—The Oklahoma Club Special, Edna’s Award-Winning Deviled Eggs, and Corn & Bean Salad with lime dressing."
Main course salads—Waldorf, Cucumber & Tomato, and Chicken
Dessert— Mrs. H’s White Cake Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting. The ‘take-away’ gift—a Boarder Interview Kit: a teapot filled with a stack of homemade almond shortbread cookies and lemon tea."
Circle of Readers: “While we rarely agree on the merits of a book, everyone in the group enjoyed the novel—its characters, family stories, and the Oklahoma setting of HENDERSON HOUSE! We found the family stories engaging, but HENDERSON HOUSE also addresses some tough topics: sexual harassment, women in the workplace, unwed pregnancy, family dynamics, and prejudice against the Cherokees. We also enjoyed discussing the characters themselves and what motivates them., and the opportunity to meet with the author on Zoom, Recommended for those who enjoy family stories, a bit of magic, and charming characters. Thank you for such great opportunities to meet authors and read good books."
Menu: "Everyone enjoyed the tasty Knobby Apple Cake from the author’s website."
Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey; Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Blu Stocking Lit Society, West Allis Wisconsin
ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL by Susan Meissner (Berkley Pub, 2023)
A novel about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter and the terrible injustice that tears them apart.
Blu Stockings Lit Society: “ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL had difficult topics to read about, but the novel provided a deep foundation for discussion.”We were not aware of eugenics in this country continuing into the 1970s. This book was well-researched and provided enough information that you could look further into our country’s history in pursuing and maintaining policies on forced sterilization. The themes of power/weakness, strength, and compliance versus complacency were a focus for our group. We discussed complacency as a weakness of character resulting in compliant behavior—if you don’t speak or act out you could be considered in support. Drawing from a historical perspective at this time in history we are all very complacent and history could easily be repeated. Additional topics of discussion included eugenics today and how decisions are being made regarding genetic technology, gene editing and embryo engineering. Several members in work in health care which also led to talk about inequality in access and information and how that impacts the choices available to individuals. We discussed how many events have occurred over time that one may not be aware of. One of the great benefits of reading is continuing learning for life. We recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction with strong historical components that lead to a robust discussion.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta: “We enjoyed our discussion about this thought-provoking and emotional book.” - We are taken on a journey of family, motherhood, and a fight to keep a child that faces unbearable challenges during this time in history, shifting between California in 1938 at a family-owned vineyard and Europe in 1947.
We enjoy historical fiction when we learn history that none of us were aware of. None of us knew what synesthesia was, and we had heard of eugenics because we read other books that explored this subject. For many, it was difficult to read because of the portrayal of suffering during the war and when people just didn't accept others who were different.
We discussed the options for at women and young girls at this time in history and the ability to make their own choices. That there was so much evil and so few tried to help and do what was right impacted us. We felt the main thread of the book was about family and how the deep desire to find a feeling of home, love, and safety is universal. Everyone felt they learned a lot and was interested in other titles by Susan Meissner."
Menu: "California wine and rich desserts you would find in Vienna. We met at Sparta Classic Diner for dinner and decadent desserts."
Literary Lovelies: ”We all loved ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL. Our book club loves historical fiction and we all enjoyed the multiple storylines."- This story was particularly heartbreaking, especially for the mothers in our group. We have met monthly for over 3 years and this was our first repeat author! We love Susan Meissner and this was our favorite GalleyMatch yet.
We had a good discussion regarding the period, if people would want another mouth to feed coming out of the Great Depression. We also discussed the family dynamics. It was eye-opening that this happened. In our day of a woman’s right to choose, it was devastating to see that these women were sterilized without any say at all or even knowledge of what was happening. Although this was set against the backdrop of World War II it was a very different tale about this period. Meissner has a way of pulling the reader into the characters’ lives, leaving you thinking about them long after the book has been read. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, heavy subjects, and books that take you out of your comfort zone."
Boys Book Club, San Jose California; Between the Lines, Woolwich, New Jersey Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
GENEVA by Richard C. Armitage (Pegasus 10/23)
A bold and unpredictable debut thriller set in Switzerland's biotech world (and deceptive beauty), by acclaimed actor Richard Armitage.
Boys Book Club:“ We enjoyed GENEVA, a page-turner! We found ourselves engrossed in a discussion about the complex themes in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, global intrigue, and the chilling notion of brain implants that seem all too real. These topics and the ethical dilemmas presented in the book sparked an interesting conversation. We enjoyed the characters and the author’s vivid descriptions. Those who listened to the audio version narrated by Richard Armitage, Nicola Walker, and Jane Perry highly recommended it.
Menu: “Cheese fondue, Toblerone chocolate. Two beers: Forgotten Thoughts and Stranger than Fiction"
Reading Between the Wines: “GENEVA was a great match for our book club. We love reading mysteries and thrillers and this fast-paced thriller set in Geneva, Switzerland in the world of biotech research, had some great red herrings to keep us interested and intrigued. We discussed the biotech world and the ethics surrounding new discoveries. We also discussed the dynamics between Sarah and her husband Daniel, and how her career as a Nobel prize-winning scientist affected their relationship We enjoyed discussing GENEVA!. Lots of red herrings and a great twist kept the conversation going!"
Menu: "Chocolate fondue with fruit and cookies, cheese fondue and bread, mulled wine, and Toblerone!"
Between the Lines: "We were wowed that GENEVA is Richard’s debut novel—the last 20 minutes of the book had us on the edge of our seats!”-“We all enjoyed, this fast-paced thriller read. GENEVA dives into Alzheimer’s, family dynamics, and the biotech industry. It was a roller coaster ride. We have family members with medical illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and we’re interested in the biotech part of the story. We loved the ending and couldn’t get over how it unfolded—it was our favorite part. We recommend GENEVA to book clubs that enjoy a heart-pumping, edge-of-your-seat ending. Richard Armitage narrates the male POV, so get the audio and give your ears a true treat."
Menu: "Fondue with Swiss cheese, as book is set in Switzerland"
Romancing the Hearthstone, Rogers Arkansas; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri; Legacy Literary Ladies, The Villages, Florida
STREET CORNER DREAMS by Florence Reiss Kraut (SheWrites, 11/23)
A novel about Golda, who comes to America yearning for independence before World War I, but tosses aside her dreams of freedom and marries her widowed brother-in-law after her sister dies giving birth to their son.
Romancing the Hearthstone: “We all gave STREET CORNER DREAMS five stars!. We adored it. Most members couldn’t put it down and read it in two days. They loved the writing style and commented that the pacing was great for historical fiction— a page-turner. This was a wonderful story told from the perspective of an immigrant. The novel made us feel so grateful for what we have. The discussion centered on how weak Ben was and how strong Goulda and Sarah were. Members were invested in this story and wanted a sequel to know what happens to Morty.”
Legacy Literary Ladies: “Most members enjoyed STREET CORNER DREAMS from the onset, but ended up loving the novel. As the characters developed, the story was very believable, and I hated to see it end, with engaging twists and turns. It is an emotionally charged story that reads easily and is well crafted. A vivid portrayal of the immigrant experience with believable, vivid. characters and an engaging story that we all felt a connection to.
Menu: Potato latkes
Happy Bookers: "STREET CORNER DREAMS was full of historical events, family drama with struggles, perseverance, and romance. The surprises and twists in various storylines kept our discussion going!"-The characters will long live in our reading memories: Golda, Ben, Morty, Anna, Sylvia, Surah, and Esther. The difficulties and struggles of these immigrants as they faced the events of the Great Depression, the Spanish Flu, and World War 1 provide an influx of social history surrounding their lives. It was intriguing to read the family mysteries surrounding those characters, who are working toward their dreams, as they work through their difficulties and challenges. Which loves will prevail amidst the pressures of war, the gangs, and economic factors of the day as they work to make their way in their new land?
We didn’t know much about the gangs of New York. Families and businesses faced many obstacles and were targeted by gang threats of paying protection fees to survive. A main discussion topic was comparing our lives and advantages to the hardships of our nation's newcomers. We wondered if we could withstand the modes of travel, lack of communication and job opportunities, and health crises with limited care with the same fortitude."
Menu: "Anna’s uncle Tony’s deli-inspired bread, salami, and Swiss cheese. We meet on the opening night of the Osage View restaurant overlooking beautiful rolling hills that many immigrants years ago came upon in settling in our county.
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Lit Happens, California, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Missouri
THE FARMER'S WIFE by Helen Rebanks (Harper Horizon, 9/23)
An honest portrait of rural life and an authentic exploration of both the hard work and reward of keeping a home and raising a family.
Ranch Readers: We loved this memoir and felt it was rare in that it was raw and practical. It made us remember our own trials and tribulations of courtship, career choice, having babies, and the hard work of being a mother and supportive wife. Although Helen experienced many changes in lifestyle she ultimately realized being a wife and mother were the most important aspects of her life and those choices made her the happiest. We enjoyed the recipes she so effortlessly executed, and we felt almost like a family member, getting to know the various individuals she wrote about so intimately and from her heart. A few members spoke about the long hours of work and almost constant attention needed to maintain farm animals that farming involves, and how every member of the family has to contribute to maintaining a farm, the loneliness they often experienced by living isolated on a large farm as children, but also the joys of sharing the rebirth every spring of the farm animals' young and planting season being completed. They also remembered the joys of harvest season when other farmers would gather to help each other and then celebrate by sharing a large meal together. We all enjoyed reading about how food and cooking were important to the author and spoke about the recipes we wanted to try as we discussed the book. We also discussed how family farms contribute the most to preserving sustainable practices and how important it is to support farmers, shepherds, and ranchers. The memoir encouraged us to think about writing our own life stories and including favorite family recipes. Recommended for those who enjoy reading honest memoirs, and being a wife and mother.”
Menu: “Helen's Lentil and Tomato Soup before our discussion--it was so delicious!—and her Lemon Drizzle Cake for dessert”
The Revivals: "We enjoy cooking and this book presented a wonderful opportunity for us to share our kitchen prowess by each of us preparing one or two dishes that came together as a shared dinner; family dinners being a priority for Helen. We discussed Helen's unique art and her enjoyment of creating a comfortable family home. We agree with Helen and share her enjoyment of home-cooked meals and family mealtimes. We discussed our own comfort levels with home births and marveled at Helen's thoughtfully made choices with her second child. We cheered for Helen when she perfectly described the many hats a stay-at-home mom wears and the feelings accompanying that life path. While possibly not given enough attention in the book, Helen writes with personal insight on the food choices we all should be paying more attention to and the farmers who provide our life-sustaining food. In clear and concise few short paragraphs, Helen has enlightened us on the importance of sustainable farming systems that encourage ‘good food from good farming.’. We recommend this book to those who enjoy coming of age, home cooking, memoirs, and women's studies. "
Menu: “Members chose and recreated recipes from the book: Smoked salmon rectangles, hummus and pita chips, frittata, field mushroom soup and croutons, easy chocolate cake, and panettone(bread and butter) pudding.”
Get Woke: "A magical evening! In honor of THE FARMER’S WIFE, and farm-to-table eating, we partnered with the Pleasant Grove Pizza- where host Emily creates unique pizzas with local and seasonal food, which enriched our discussion and palate. Rebanks reflects on her life revealing family struggles and relationships, the challenges of motherhood, and the stigma of honoring ‘small domestic things’ She champions the importance of the daily grind of domesticity. Her thoughts are enhanced by sketches, and family recipes are sprinkled throughout the book.
Chapter by Chapter Book Club of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri; Words!Women!Wine! of Brookfield, Wisconsin
THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY by Katherine A. Sherbrooke (Pegasus Books, 4/23)
The story of a runway model in 1940s Hollywood who makes a split-second decision intended to protect those she loves but triggers a cascade of secrets that threatens to upend her daughter’s life decades later.
Chapter by Chapter: "THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY was a great match. We really enjoy historical fiction and several members commented that they enjoyed the glimpse behind the scenes of the fashion industry in Hollywood. We were interested in how their lifestyle judged those involved in fashion and industry. Several members had read THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO and talked about the similarities between the two books. Told from the perspective of mother/daughter protagonists in dual time periods on opposite coasts, this one kept me turning the page late into the night. I didn’t expect to be so absorbed, but I highly recommend this read!"
Menu: "As a nod to Benny’s meatballs, our potluck included meatball pizza. Our drink was Caramel Apple Cider—a nod to the Berkshires, which was referenced in the novel."
Happy Bookers: “From the fabulous cover to the title to the main character’s name, we were intrigued! When we learned that the book was inspired by the author‘s mother, it added even more interest. THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY is a story of secrets, of decisions, and the consequences of those decisions, with surprising twists and entanglements that kept us reading to learn how the mother’s choices impact her daughter’s life. Learning about Hollywood particularly the fashion, and glamour of 1940s Hollywood to 1970s Broadway was fascinating. Our conversation focused on the difficulty of life-altering decisions and their outcomes. We discussed the bonds of the chosen family and the strength of love and loyalty. An interesting point was how the story involved a coming of age for both Aster and her daughter Lissy. Choices involving Lissy’s Broadway and Noah’s music careers gave us much to talk about. And no one saw a big twist coming! I have since listened to several of the author's interviews and love her background story for this book. We look forward to reading more of her books. We recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction about Hollywood, Broadway, and family drama."
Menu: “Our versions of Benny’s homemade meatballs and soup. When served, we commented on how this was the ultimate comfort food for this story.”
Words!Women!Wine!: "We all enjoyed this book and the strong female protagonists and both timeline plots. We had a great discussion with many viewpoints. We discussed Sam and Aster's relationship. Both characters seemed to have conflicting feelings, although the relationship had some redeeming qualities One member noted that Aster had made so many fabrications about her life, it was hard to keep her secrets straight. It was as if the fabrications were woven into her background, much like her early desire to be a fashion designer. Many of us liked that Aster moved from clothing to sculpture and felt that was a well-developed plot line.
We all agreed that the love story of Fernando and Benedict/Christopher was the best in the book. We discussed it must have been for gay celebrities in the 40s & 50s and even still today. We had not heard of the term ' avender scare’ which led us into a discussion of discrimination and profits and politics. It was interesting to us that both females fixated on their one true love - even though initially they both let them go. Many of us thought it was predictable that Christopher/Benny would die after the lead-up to that scene, but we were all shocked in the end that the death had been fake. We had a lot of discussions around the death, funeral, and new stories. Suggested for clubs that enjoy a female-centered novel with a lot of relationships and secrets.
Menu: "Prosecco and shrimp cocktail (very Hollywood) and followed that with a "Tivoli dinner of caesar salad, penne & meatballs. We had an Italian Love cake for dessert! "
St. Louis Lit Book Club, Missouri; Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Angry Book Club, Norwich, Connecticut
THE INTERN by Michele Campbell, (St. Martin’s Press, 10/23)
A young Harvard law student falls under the spell of a charismatic judge in this timely and thrilling novel about class, ambition, family, and murder.
St. Louis Lit Book Club: “As fall nears the perfect book to pick up is a thriller like THE INTERN, which was interesting from the beginning. and the action was not far-fetched, which was nice for a thriller. Having two points of view allowed our book club to choose which characters we liked most and why. There were many characters to keep track of, which added layers to the discussion. Legal thrillers were new to some, and the reaction was positive to receiving a new type of book we may not have otherwise picked. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers, and multi-character stories. and fast-paced mysteries."
Angry Book Club: We enjoyed THE INTERN! We are known for being pretty critical (hence the anger) but this book got thumbs up, and we especially enjoyed the end! This book had me turning pages, especially with the switched perspectives! There was much conversation about Madison’s indecisiveness, which annoyed some members, while others thought it made her more relatable. We also discussed whether Katherine was smart enough to escape her situation without taking the steps she did. Several of us live near, or have spent time in Boston, and really enjoyed the Boston descriptions and mentions of real restaurants and places —the characters actually drink Dunkin, take the T (and get off at real stops), and live in areas of the city that make sense. This led to a great discussion about books that successfully create a sense of place and the joy of reading books about places we have lived. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers.
Melanie's Book Club: "We all loved THE INTERN. It was a great match for our book club because it's rare for us to find a book that we all enjoy and this was that book! We had an excellent discussion about the book, specifically talking about the relationships among the characters in the book- and how they affected their decision-making. Being from the Midwest, we couldn't really relate to the mob connections, but we could relate to family difficulties and making difficult decisions regarding family members We had many discussions about our families and the different relationships, troubles, and decisions. We know each other well, but it was interesting to learn more and refreshing to hear that all families have issues and work through them in different ways. Recommended for those who enjoy conflict, suspense, and deciding how far you'll go to protect your family."
The Famished for Fiction Book Club of Frisco, Texas, Flagstaff Ladies Book Club, Arizona, Boozy Books Book Club and Kaukauna Wisconsin
YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 5/23)
A YA novel about Harriet Douglass, a teenager living with her historian father on a plantation turned enslaved people's museum, who must handle her feelings of anger when an actress who purchased the plantation next door, plans to turn it into an event venue.
Famished for Fiction: “We loved this multilayered story. The magnitude of all the things affecting Harriet led to a lot of thoughtful discussion. We gave it 5/5 stars!"
The setting of the book reminded us of Whitney Plantation in South Louisiana. We discussed the struggle that exists between the beauty of the plantation homes and grounds the acknowledgment of the horrors of slavery and the pain and suffering of the enslaved people that were forced against their will to build those homes and maintain those grounds. Is it possible to be in awe of those beautiful places and yet heartbroken by the pain that surrounds them?
The importance of seeing both sides of a story and acknowledging them is what leads to improvement in our relationships with people who are different from ourselves. Harriett spent much time caring for herself as her father was unable to do more than the bare minimum after the death of her mother. Harriett's anger with outsiders' inability to see, acknowledge, and respect the purpose of a landmark such as their plantation. We recommend this book to those who enjoy thought-provoking reads that have a different perspective from the 'norm. We are a diverse group of women who enjoy thought-provoking books that enhance our discussion and this was a great fit."
Menu: Down South Kitchen and Bakery for Southern food
Boozy Books: "Thank you for the match! We might not have read YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY otherwise. When a book makes you cry it’s automatically a great book .We liked the mix of the main character's naïveté and cynicism as the book progresses. We discussed toxic parenting and our perceptions of the adults, the character’s adjustments as they navigate issues, our appreciation of having a flawed main character, and the grace given to Layla but not the white friends she grew up with. We were interested in the 17-year-old perspective—and all the current social issues and cultural references, such as TikTok. 'What’s up with teen/middle school boys and frogs' stood out as an amusement.
We recommend this novel to clubs who enjoy contemporary social issue books, or DEAR MARTIN or THE HATE YOU GIVE.”
Flagstaff Ladies: “We all enjoyed this novel, which spurred much discussion about the South (none of us grew up there), plantations, tourist rentals, grief, and growing up a person of color in today's America. We also liked the main character because Harriet is such a teenager —more than half of us are moms of girls).
We live in a tourist town, so though the housing isn't all historic, there are wealthy outsiders who have second homes here, so the way Harriet bristles at the new neighbors resonated. The way she also kind of liked the new girl and determined she was human was also something a few of us could identify with. And her anger issues...not unfamiliar! It was a great trait to give Harriet, and we talked a bit about our own struggles with rage, as well as dealing with others who have trouble controlling theirs.
We have a significant Native-American presence in our city, so that is where we see discrimination, disrespect, and racism crop up, and we had a great discussion about how as women, we also see (and experience) these micro- or upfront- aggressions more readily than our male partners. We also discussed being in a bit of a bubble because it is a small city, and there are no obvious monuments to discrimination that we would drive by all the time (on the nearby reservation, yes). The discussion about grief was also interesting -- how do you remember your loved ones? Do you remember their last days or the rest of their lives? We had a debate about Dawn and what we would have thought about our daughters dating him, or a friend dating their childhood buddy. We liked him but realized we would have been protective of Harriet because she was not very savvy about relationships. We thought the story was well-written and it was nice that it didn't end with everything neatly resolved -- that was realistic. Recommended for those who enjoy novels about young adults, the South, and that discuss racism."
Menu: "One of our group stopped at fast food on the way to book club. Shout out to Harriet's dad!"
The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Woodlands Lunch and Books, Woodlands, Texas Get Woke, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado "
CHASING THE PANTHER: Adventures and Misadventures of a Cinematic Life Carolyn Pfeiffer with Gregory Collins (Harper Horizon, 6/23)
Film producer and early Hollywood female coming-of-age memoir, set against the backdrop of Fellini's Rome, French New Wave Paris, and Swinging London.
Get Woke: "CHASING THE PANTHER reads like a novel: encounters with the rich and famous; travels to exotic cities and countries, experiences, and success as a pioneering film producer and PR representative. We called Pfeiffer the ‘female Forrest Gump’'–Readers travel on a high-speed train rocketing through Pfeiffer’s coming-of-age adventures as she explores NYC and Europe during the turbulent 1960s-‘70s amidst the significant cultural shifts and the ascendance of the film industry. Pfeiffer vividly describes the art, culture, and society of post-war Europe and New York City. Her insights into the actors and film industry were fascinating. The film industry's growth is part of a larger story involving changing attitudes and paradigm shifts of the post-war years, a time when many of us also came of age. The introduction of the birth control pill and Pfeiffer’s romantic encounters mirrored the cultural changes. Book club invitations featured film strips. members were asked to become film directors: and select highlights from the book for a film preview. We discussed the changing role of women and Pfeiffer’s lifetime goal of ‘pushing boundaries’. She felt you had to ‘leave yourself behind’ to discover uniqueness. We were drawn to her comments on women’s status: the expectation that a woman’s role was to be worthy of a man. Her reply resonated: ‘Let no one ever call me worthy.’ Pfeiffer challenged the attitudes of patriarchy, the power of men, and the sensuality of women. Her adventures allowed us to experience the paradigm shifts occurring in the world—positive and negative We agreed her talents, opportunities, and personality allowed her to take advantage of this era, and the difficulty of duplicating this experience today."
Menu: "Honoring her European adventures: Caprese skewers, olives, goat cheese & figs, Pinot Grigio."
The Revivals: “CHASING THE PANTHER covers so many points of interest that it was easy for us to chat all the way through dessert!" We took turns reading and discussing Carolyn's numerous life reflections and insights - we highlighted dozens of quotes. We marveled at Carolyn's remarkable and brave life as she fearlessly pursued her goals. It felt like two books in one: Carolyn's honest and heartfelt observations about her experiences, and a comprehensive cinematic timeline from Europe to the United States. We focused on the former, but scholars will find a valuable resource in the cinematic narrative. As Pfeiffer discussed celebrities, producers, and directors— at times this overwhelmed us, but we are not familiar with the industry and these details were a first exposure. We enjoyed Carolyn's numerous life reflections. GalleyMatch has inspired us to read books we would not have known about and/or genres we would not have selected on our own."
Menu: "Lunch overlooking the lake with multicultural appetizers: Baba ganoush with toasted pita bread (a nod to Omar Sharif); Beet and goat cheese dip with assorted fresh vegetables (Market Fresh Vegetables like one would shop for in France), Avocado chicken salad with jicama and peperoncini peppers on a bed of lettuce with French baguette (A nod to Italy) Dessert:-Lemon buttermilk ice cream with black currant jam and sugar cone."
Woodlands Lunch and Books: "A good match for It is interesting to read about lives so different from our own and we enjoyed this coming-of-age story. In a world of cinematic greats, it was fun to read some of the portrayals from Carolyn’s perspective. A member commented that reading the book made them want to see Doctor Zhivago and another mentioned that they loved Omar Sharif even more after reading the book. There was a discussion of a disturbing scene in the book and many were disappointed at the actor involved. We also enjoyed the descriptions of some of the locales throughout Europe that we knew. As Carolyn discovered herself through the many ups and downs of her early life, it was fascinating to watch her independence shine, especially with Suso d’Amico supporting her career choices. A few members were unfamiliar with numerous names and had to search online for them. Those that enjoy biographies and memoirs, especially of old Hollywood would enjoy this book."
Ranch Readers: "We recall the 1950s and '60s and thoroughly enjoyed CHASING THE PANTHER—the people, films, and occasions were familiar to us, making it a delightful read.
We found Ms. Pfeiffer's memoir exceptionally captivating and thought-provoking. It provided a glimpse into the golden era of cinema behind the scenes. We sympathized with her misfortunes and rejoiced in her successes as a self-sufficient and accomplished woman. We remember the movie era when Carolyn began her career and those she met and interacted with throughout. Although it seemed she lived a fairy tale life, Carolyn faced traumatic events she recounted with candor. Her strength and determination allowed her to overcome adversity and lead a fulfilling artistic life. Her memoir offers a glimpse into the world of fame and fortune in the film industry and a raw, honest portrayal of her struggles and triumphs.
The images added to our enjoyment—several members remembered having photos of Omar Sharif on their bedroom walls as teenagers. We discussed our recollections of the era that Carolyn described, including the films, directors, and producers she mentioned. Despite the notable progress made in women's rights, we realized many obstacles Carolyn faced still endure. The consensus was that success in the film industry depends on connections, and we were impressed by her ability to form relationships with influential figures, and that she was able to rise above her tragedies with grace and not let them deter her from living her best life. Recommended for readers who enjoy a memoir full of experiences more interesting than fiction and film history."
Menu: "Italian cookies that were a tribute to Carolyn's adventures in Italy."
Junior League Book Club of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Spectacles Book Club, Geneva, Ohio, and Hagerstown Housewives, Hagerstown, Maryland
NO TWO PERSONS by Erica Bauermeister (St. Martin's Press, 5/2/23)
A novel about the ways in which one book transforms its readers' lives.
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “Every member loved NO TWO PERSONS, the first book in a long time that we overwhelmingly agreed that we loved.T his book is about a book and the reactions and experiences of nine people who encounter it. Even those that couldn’t attend our discussion were texting with their input— the consensus—this book is a home run. We had a great discussion centered around the first line of the fictional book ‘Wandering is a gift given only to the lost,’ and the idea that no two people ever experience anything exactly the same way.
We discussed the way each character responded to the book and why we felt they were so drawn to it. We loved the little Easter Eggs of how characters were connected and agreed that the widower's story was one of our favorites/most heartbreaking. We loved how the story of each character seemed like it could be a stand-alone short story.
“We were surprised that our entire book club loved the book— we tend to be very opinionated and are almost always split on our reading selections. And that we all loved it was much more interesting, as the theme is about how people experience books differently. Just Ike the characters in the book, we had different experiences and reactions while reading it, but in the end, we were all drawn to it for many of the same reasons. Every last one of us recommends NO TWO PERSONS, especially for those who enjoy short stories, unique characters, and lively discussion."
Spectacles: "We agreed that NO TWO PERSONS was a perfect match for our group. What a thought-provoking book. Each book club member’s favorite parts, thoughts, characters, and quotes began a lively conversation about the value and power of words. The individual stories demonstrated how one book can affect readers in amazing and unexpected ways. It was interesting to read how one book connected all the characters.
We loved all of the characters and their stories, and everyone in our book club had a favorite. As teachers, many of us connected with Nola—a character we could easily relate to—and we thought William and Abigail's story was heartbreaking. We learned through Alice's story that in many ways, a writer's own life experiences affect what is written.We explored the character in each story and saw how the stories were connected. We discussed how parts of Alice's book were found in each chapter. It was interesting to see how and when we were able to put the bits and pieces together to tell Theo's story. As the chapters progressed, we were able to see the impact that the book had on each person and how they moved on. This book reminded us that no two persons interpret the same book in the same way and interpretations that we share depend on where we are at a certain time. In addition to the written stories, we loved how the cover depicted the nine readers!
We shared some of our favorite quotes for discussion, such as ‘The beauty of books—they take you places you didn't know you needed to go.’
Menu: "Foods connected to stories: Ramen noodle salad, granola bars (Nola). PBJ sliders and potato chips (Alice and Peter), banana muffins (William)"
Hagerstown Housewives: “We all enjoyed NO TWO PERSONS. Erica Bauermeister's writing was loved by all. We loved the premise that one story can affect people differently. Some of the most interesting topics were the different chapters that each individual person in my book club liked and their reasons why. We discussed the different stories that resonated. Since we are all book lovers in our book club, we connected to the story of each of the 9 persons who read about Theo. We all had a soft spot for the book and its many characters. We recommend for those who enjoy relatable stories that connect people in inspiring ways.”
Famished for Fiction, Frisco, Texas; Lit Ladies, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Between the Pages, Mt. Morris, New York
BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN by Diane Chamberlain( St. Martins Press, 2020)
A novel of chilling intrigue, a decades-old disappearance, and a woman’s quest for the truth.
Famished for Fiction: We highly recommend BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN, which will remain with us for a long time. The contrasting timelines of the 1940s and the present day, as well as the varying perspectives, made for a captivating read." -
"Chamberlain's writing was impressive, and she has now become one of our favorite authors. Our club enjoyed this intricately crafted book and appreciated the diversity of opinions from our multi-racial group. We learned about the WPA project and the historical setting of Edenton, North Carolina, which we found fascinating. During our discussions, we explored the complex relationships between characters, such as Jesse and Anna, Morgan and Oliver. We delved into the secrets that Nellie kept, and the burden of family responsibility. The ending kept us guessing, and the short chapters made it easy to follow the multiple storylines. Most members gave this novel a 5/5 rating.”
Lit Ladies: "We all enjoyed this novel and it inspired great discussion—success! We discussed the dual timelines, the connections between the protagonists, the art restoration process and research, the epilogue ending, and various aberrations/additions in the mural that Anna added. Members commented that they ‘binged it,’ ‘loved it, ‘couldn’t put it down,’ and “read 250 pages at once.' We recommend to clubs that enjoy historical thrillers and mysteries."
Between the Pages: “Thank you for this read! Hot discussion topics were the dual storyline, life in prison, the big reveal, and small-town life. We live in a small area, so that was discussed at length. We recommend for those clubs that enjoy Intertwined storylines and thrills."
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal, and Reckless Readers, Eastford, Connecticut
THE SOULMATE by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 4/23)
A thriller about marriage, betrayal, and the secrets that push us to the edge,
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal: "We loved THE SOULMATE!, a perfect match for our book club. Most agreed that this one is one of our favorite Sally Hepworth We’re huge fans of hers. Half of our book club met Sally in person during her book tour at Zibby's Bookshop— fantastic!
"We discussed the dynamics between the two couples and which one was the true soulmate. We appreciated how the author added important topics such as mental health, adoption, and addiction. The characters were intriguing and the level of suspense had us on the edge of our seats. We loved having the perspective of Amanda which gave us a great insight into details about the characters’ relationships.
We enjoyed talking about Gabe’s transformation from the beginning of the story, when we all thought he was a wonderful human being, to the end, where many details about his character are revealed. The discussion questions provided an excellent guide for our chat. We recommend THE SOULMATE to book clubs that enjoy reading suspenseful family dramas with an atmospheric setting."
Reckless Readers: Normally we discuss the book for a little while, and then jump to other topics. Not last night! There was too much to discuss after reading THE SOULMATE —everyone loved the book and the twists! This book was such a conversation starter! Sally Hepworth is so good at working mental health into her books. Hepworth nailed the portrayal of mental illness as well as codependency— the character Gabe was hard to read, because of how accurately she depicted his illness. Members wanted to break down the relationship between Pippa and Gave, and how forgiving Pippa was when most people would walk. It was an emotional conversation, with so many personal perspectives and stories.
Most members had never read a Sally Hepworth book. After last night, everyone added her books to their TBR lists. I’ve been reading her for years, and was happy to see they felt the same way about her books! Sally is an excellent storyteller. Thank you so much for the excellent #GalleyMatch.
Menu: "Soulmate bars—peanut butter & jelly—the ultimate soulmate of food! And “The Drop Martini” —a cranberry lemon drop martini, that will send you over the edge after only a few! "
THE STORIES WE TELL: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by Joanna Gaines (Harper Select . 11/8/22)
The first solo memoir from the Magnolia co-founder.
We met at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Shops at Creekside in Frisco, Texas, a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Gaines' own design style, making it the perfect location for our discussion."
Get Lit: "We’re all fans of Chip and Joanna’s and enjoyed learning more about her. Chip is so funny and Joanna always appears to be calm, so it was interesting learning about her childhood and the difficulties she faced.
Jensen Beach County Club's Womens Book Club of Florida, The Wine Club With a Book Problem of Acworth, Georgia, and Blu Stocking Literary Society of West Allis, Wisconsin
THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS by M.J. Rose (Blue Box, 2/23)
A tale of two passionate women— a famous jewelry designer who fights to protect her company and rescue the man she loves, and an auctioneer whose gifts reveal a secret that endangers her very life,
Jensen Beach County Club: “We loved the descriptions of the jewelry that Suzanne Belperron made and the majority of us had researched Suzanne's designs after reading the book.A good match for our book club. We enjoy historical fiction or books with strong women. This novel features a dual timeline— France, 1942, and New York, 1986. Suzanne is a sought-after jewelry designer in France and her longtime lover and business partner, Bernard has been arrested by the Nazis. Violine is an appraiser for an auction company in 1986 and has been approached by Paul Osgood about selling family antiques. While visiting his home, she discovers a hidden compartment in a vintage Louis Vuitton case containing WWII-era jewelry. Violine is gifted with learning the history and secrets of objects she touches, and their owners and realizes that the jewelry has a long and tragic history. Violine and Paul work together to discover the history of the case and the jewelry. We discussed how Dixie and Suzanne demonstrated this in their work for the resistance movement."
Menu: "French rose wine, croissants, olives, brie, baguettes with French butter, chocolate mousse, cheesecake, dark chocolate squares, and cappuccino."
The Wine Club With a Book Problem "THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS is a captivating and powerful story that grabs you from the first page— a good match for as we like historical fiction with strong women. We enjoy books in which we learn something new, and the story prompts us further investigate a topic—in this case, Suzanne Belperron, one of the most innovative jewelers of her time, and her jewelry designs. This intriguing story explored Suzanne Belperron's courage and those who participated in the French Resistance by helping Jewish families leave France. We liked the novel's alternating dual timelines—Paris 1942 and New York 1986—which link Suzanne and Violine, an art historian/appraiser with a supernatural gift. We noted that this is the first book we've read that involves psychometry.”
Rose has written a beautiful and descriptive story. We recommend this book to those that enjoy magical realism, suspense, and World War II fiction."
Menu: "Brie, apples, Classic French Salad (romaine, tarragon, chives, walnuts with a lemon vinaigrette, Ina Garten's Bouef Bourguignon, Mashed Potatoes, macarons. truffles."
Blu Stocking: An excellent selection for our club. This story was fascinating and the psychometry was an interesting twist. We enjoy reading about real people in history within a historical fiction context. While the characters are placed in a fictional story, there is much to take away. Several of us did some research on Suzanne Belperron and her jewelry designs. We also like the alternating timeline. robust discussion. We discussed psychometry's 'unbelievable' aspect juxtapositioned with an equally 'unbelievable' period of history as the holocaust. Also, we talked about the courage and actions of people in this world that are so brave and committed even in the face of personal danger, as well as the variety of themes—determination, strength of character, hope, faith, and love in all its incarnations, lovers (Suzanne/Bernard/Jean), friends (Suzanne & Dixie) and love of country/places (France)”
Curious Book Club, Frederick, Maryland; St. Louis Women’s Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; First Saturday Book Club, Pensacola, Florida
PRACTICE GIRL by Estelle Laure (Penguin Teen, 5/22)
A novel about a girl who rejects her label and decides for herself who she is to the world—about reputation and double standards,
Menu: We met at a diner because there was a diner in the story!
First Saturday Book Club: "We had a great discussion about PRACTICE GIRLan honest, moving YA read that should be in the hands of more teens. PRACTICE GIRL offers a strong look at what it means to participate in a relationship and the need for teens to understand the ramifications of sex and responsibility and dedication to relationships. The author writes with emotional depth—we feel everything Jo goes through, and we root for Jo to win at wrestling and life. It’s clever, charming, and poignant.
We discussed teenage behaviors: that Jo was not responsible for Sam kissing her yet she is blamed, how girls need to have girl relationships so they have support, the importance of family, taking others into consideration while establishing boundaries, and understanding the relationship before sex. Also, that growing up and having friendships change is difficult but a part of growing up. We all enjoyed this coming-of-age novel, recommended for this for groups that enjoy YA lit with emotional depth."
Happy Bookers, Linn Missouri, Lit Ladies Read Melbourne, Florida, and St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; and Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
WEYWARD by Emila Hart (St. Martin's Press, 3/23)
A novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world
Happy Bookers: “A gem of a book with resilient female characters is our favorite GalleyMatch to date.”- on a novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world, read with galleys from
“Hart has given us much to ponder in a most bewitching tale. Altha, Violet, and Kate will long stay with us for their resilience and fortitude. We agreed that witchcraft isn’t accomplished through spells, but by their connection to the world around them -— and that was most appreciated and enjoyed. We cheered at the comeuppance of the perpetrators who caused harm both physical and mental to the female characters. We discussed the plight and strength of women over the ages dealing with similar treatment. The three women characters were enthralling. The author wove the three timelines of the Weyward women’s lives together expertly. Their plight, resourcefulness, and special powers along with their ties to nature and their strength to survive amidst adversity and ill-treatment earn these characters a place in your heart. The short chapters breeze along while keeping the depth of the characters and story strong. Highly recommended by our group to fellow readers. The perfect fall read. The perfect anytime read! Cannot wait to read more from this author.”
Menu: Orton stew (chicken and rice soup) W pendant cakes(cupcakes), Witches sticks and twigs (fried tortilla strips), Cottage dip (cowboy caviar), Crow Bars (brownie bites), Insect Wings(corn chips), Graham Crackers(saltines and wheat thins), and Morgs(moon drop grapes)in a member’s backyard and woods for our book reenactments."
Lit Ladies Read:“ We loved everything about this book! This is a very compelling read that highlights the connection between women, family, and nature."
WEYWARD is a beautifully written story about the strength and resilience of three different women. The story is told in alternating timelines, in different centuries leaving the reader to wonder how these women are related. The Weyward women all face similar, yet different, hardships of violence, abuse, and expectations of society that they must overcome. The women all have a very strong connection to nature and find strength and inner peace through this connection. The alternating timelines advance the story and keep you wanting more. The descriptive language paints a clear picture, and we loved the alternating timelines—each character's story was compelling and gave a feel for what these women had to endure. We spent quite a bit of time discussing the treatment of women who were deemed ’weird’ throughout history. It is frightening to think that there was a period in history when women could be labeled witches and executed based on nothing more than conjecture and failure to conform to societal expectations. Altha's storyline, in particular really highlighted how ludicrous the idea of witchcraft really is and how scared people were of anyone who was different. Another hot topic was domestic abuse and how difficult it can be for abused women to escape their abuser. Both Kate's and Violet's stories dealt with physical and sexual abuse that required both women to find the strength to remove themselves from their situations. We recommend for those who enjoy stories about women finding their inner strength to overcome hardship.”
Menu: Witching Hour Cabernet Sauvignon and witch hat cupcakes.
St. Louis: "WEYWARD was intense, honest and deeply connected to today’s time The three timelines and main character add layers of interconnected themes and details. At first glance, these are very different women but ultimately all face similar situations. We discussed feminism and the growth of women throughout time, how the patriarchy impacts women’s abilities to make choices, and Nature vs nurture—these women all were born to be Weyward, not raised to be Weyward.
Recommended for those who enjoyed THE LOST APOTHECARY by Sarah Penner; three perspectives or time periods in stories; the power of nature; books about powerful women and the ability to be strong despite the circumstances and external environment. This book has some trigger warnings that I think all readers need to be extremely mindful of before reading (physical/verbal abuse, parental abuse, rape, pregnancy loss, abortion, jail).
Reading Between the Wines: “This book was a perfect match for our club. We all enjoyed this story of three women from the same family line at different points in time. There was so much to discuss here: our connection to the natural world, overcoming trauma, giving yourself grace, and the strength and resilience of women, feminism, women’s connection to the natural world, family legacies, and overcoming trauma We thought the author did a great job incorporating the interconnected stories of Althea, Violet, and Kate. Recommended to book clubs that enjoy women’s fiction, historical fiction with dual timelines, and a touch of magical realism.
Menu: "Food to honor the garden at Weyward cottage, including veggie crackers with garden vegetables, and basil cheese, roasted vegetable pizza, and fresh veggies with hummus. We also had blueberry scones with jam and tea and biscuits as a nod to the English settings in the book."
Longwood Ladies, Goshen, Kentucky and Colonies Book Club, Yorkville, Illinois
ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE by Noelle Salazar ( Mira,/ HTP, 11/22)
A story inspired by true events, about courageous women who risked everything for their country, family, and each other
Longwood Ladies: “ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE was a great book club book.We all loved learning about a neutral country. It was a new take on that era that we all really enjoyed! We discussed how much we learned about the World War II era, We talked a lot about and enjoyed the fact that it shined the light on a true sister act. It was the first historical fiction I’ve read that took place in the Netherlands during World War II. It was a refreshing change to hear the trials from a neutral neighbor. The characters were easy to relate to and love and my heart was wrenched by their bravery and struggles. We fell in love with the characters —they were strong, intelligent, patient women right from the start and their growth and determination were astounding. We recommend ANGELS to those who enjoy historical fiction and reading about strong women! If you enjoyed THE LILAC GIRLS, ROSE CODE, or Salazar’s first book, FLIGHT GIRLS, you will enjoy this historical fiction. We all thank you immensely!”
Colonies Book Club: "Some members were in tears throughout this beautifully told story of two young sisters who risk everything for their homeland during World War II. Our members loved this book. Some comments: A heart-wrenching read that is full of tenderness, resilience, courage, brutality, and devotion. The author did a great job of opening our eyes to the hardships of living through Nazi occupation Salazar demonstrated how strong the bonds of sisters, family, and friends are in a powerful way. This story is told from the perspective of a young teenage girl and how innocence is lost through the actions necessary to fight the evil that ripped her country apart. We were unfamiliar with the occupation of the Netherlands and learned about their struggle with starvation and freezing during the last years of the war. We couldn’t imagine girls getting involved with the resistance and what they were willing to do for their country. We all felt the guilt that Lien carried throughout her life over her little sister's death and the catalyst that was for her to join the resistance. We loved the epilogue and the closure it gave us about all of the character
Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut: CT Lit Club, Milford, ConnecticutTHE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins(St. Martin's Press, 1/23)
A gothic suspense novel set at an Italian villa with a dark history.
Literary Lovelies:" We all loved the book! This book has books within the book!”-“We discussed both storylines and if we found ourselves drawn to one story or the other. Susan loved the dual timelines and thought the Mari storyline felt like a movie! We also discussed whether we saw that Mark and Chess were together. A lot of people had thoughts on Chess! We decided she was either a Love or hate character. We also discussed if you have to like the characters to like a book. Chelsey thought the book reminded her of Rachel’s other books and talked about her distinct writing style. We loved how easy it was to read, and enjoyed the epistolary chapters that enhanced the story. We felt the book wrapped up a little quickly and we wished that Emily had stood up for herself a little more! But the Italy location was a favorite of ours as well as the slight gothic style of the Mari plot line. We recommend THE VILLA to clubs that enjoy dual timelines in beautiful settings! Thank you so much for this opportunity!"
Menu: "We meet virtually, but enjoyed some limoncello while reading the book! Emily and Chess are a little over-served on limoncello their first night in Italy."
CT Lit Book Club: This book had us in a heated discussion about what we would do if we were in the main character’s situation. We found ourselves in a coffee shop yelling about dead husbands and realized we probably should put our books on the tabble so other patrons see we are actually discussing a book!!
“We were excited to preview a Rachel Hawkins title! The majority of us have read THE WIFE UPSTAIRS and RECKLESS GIRLS, along with some of her Erin Sterling books.
We had high expectations for THE VILLA, as it is highly anticipated by the bookstagram community. Overall, we expected it to be more ‘thrilling’, but we enjoyed it and were enthralled wondering what was going to end up happening and how the two stories of what took place at the villa were going to bridge together. One member described her reading experience as the story ‘always having an air of suspicion to keep her intrigued.’ We really loved the setting of the villa in Italy and loved the throwbacks to the 70s! We recommend this book to those that enjoy drama, and books like BIG LITTLE LIES.’
Reckless Readers: "Everyone loved the book, rating it Hawkins’s best yet!"- “This is our second GalleyMatch for a Rachel Hawkins book, and we were very excited! Most members read THE VILLA in two sittings We could not wait to rant about the characters we hated, dissect the twists, and gush over the amazing setting. There was a lot of early chatter in the week before our meeting — those that finished it early could not wait to have our discussion.
The level of betrayal among friends was the biggest discussion. We loved the setting, the dual timelines, and the parallels between them. The twists were nonstop and unexpected, which kept us page-turning. The dual timelines made the story. Going from Emily & Chess presently staying at the Villa, to Mari in 1974, the reader gets the full picture of what really happened at The Villa Aestas. Both stories have parallels that are frightening. It seems that you can’t stay at the Villa without it taking someone from you. There are love triangles, friendship deceits, thrilling reveals, and murder to fit everyone’s appetite. It’s dark and atmospheric in ways we have never seen from Rachel Hawkins. She packed so many surprises into this book, but the last chapter is the biggest. There was a hot debate among the group on whether that last chapter was even necessary. How many twists are too many? We recommend if you enjoy big twisty thrillers that grip you until the end —add it to your preorder list! It's out in January, and will be on everyone’s hot list for 2023!"
Menu: “Italian lemon theme to match book: lemon basil pasta salad, lemon ricotta hot cheese dip, limoncello cocktails.”
Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Riverside Readers, Plain City, Ohio; Amy's Book Club, Boulder Colorado
A LIGHT IN THE FOREST by Melissa Payne (Lake Union, 2022)
An emotional and suspenseful novel about the weight of secrets and the healing power of friends and family.
Riverside Readers: “We loved the Ohio setting and although Crystal was a made-up town, we have been to similar small towns and could picture the intent while we read. We appreciated the fun and quirky characters with a hint of underlying mystery in the book. don't know. We discussed the small town, the stereotypes, and the reality, not all small towns in Ohio are like that but we knew why the author picked to use the stereotypical poor/mining town in Appalachia. The timelines coordinated well together with the flashbacks. The characters of the small town were unique and we liked how they interacted with each other—they balanced the trauma. The reader's guide for this book was great. Thank you! We love being introduced to new authors and this time it helped build a new small community of readers, as this is a new book club."
We discussed which of the lovable/heroic characters we enjoyed the most and whether Vega was a hero or a victim;, the pacing of how quickly Vega developed community in Crystal, secrets and why they should be kept or told; our reactions to Vega checking Instagram and our internal screamings at her of what we wanted her to do, the town's support of Eve, and what would happen next for all of them. We recommend A LIGHT IN THE FOREST to book clubs that enjoy complicated relationships and a multi-decade mystery to unravel." Melanie’s Book Club:" We loved the opportunity to preview A LIGHT IN THE FOREST. We are reading another Melissa Payne book this month, as a result! Everyone had positive comments and the book made for great conversation. One member who is stingy with book ratings gave our selection 5 stars. This is a thoughtful, well-written book that discusses real-life issues with great character development. A main discussion point was the different social issues addressed in the book and that the author didn't 'preach' about them. Our group has many teachers and nurses in it and this made an impact on us, especially since we see these issues in the lives of our students and patients. We appreciated the character development and that through the different points of view, we were able to put pieces of the puzzle together before Vega did, yet it didn’t take away from the mystery. This book is a must-read! We look forward to seeing if her other books have a similar writing style and theme."
Madame Woods Book Club of Wiscasset, Maine, and Book Club Girls of Sparta, New JerseyTHE WAYS WE HIDE, by Kristina McMorris (Sourcebooks, 2022)
We discuss the intricacies of the story and how relatable the main character was. McMorris thoughtfully and seamlessly transitions from a story of romance, into a detail-oriented spy novel, and keeps the reader o n the edge of their seat in anticipation of what direction the story and characters would go next. She challenges the reader to keep up with current and past storylines, all while inserting historical events, distracting the reader - they are well intertwined into the characters' lives and the book’s storylines. THE WAYS WE HIDE offers a variety of themes that would appeal to a large readership. So many beautiful moments, even in the last chapters of the book, that offer a sweet and real conclusion.”Book Club Girls of Sparta: "We enjoyed reading about a part of history we did not know of.Most of us were unaware of the Dutch involvement in the resistance or hadn't heard of this chapter of history where women recruited into the resistance worked on inventing escape aids that were hidden in things like games, and the hiding of clues and maps in ordinary objects was interesting to learn about. The resounding takeaway was the fact that so many people risked everything to help the resistance, to help other humans stay safe. Many questioned whether they would be as brave, especially being a woman. We found the most connecting part of the story was Fennas; bravery, and fearlessness even though she had deep trauma from the fire. We recommend THE WAYS WE HIDE to groups interested in historical fiction about new pieces of World War III history and strong female protagonists."Menu: Tea and speculoos cookies.
Brunch & Books Club, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Literary Fires Everywhere, Cortland Manor, New YorkTHE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center, (St. Martin's Press, 7/22)
A romantic and humorous romance about a bodyguard, and the movie star she's hired to protect, as they work to keep things professional under crazy circumstances
Brunch & Books: “We discussed the main character’s growth. Everyone enjoyed the love story, but seeing how the character grew into herself from start to finish was what really stood out. She gained confidence and self-respect that she didn’t have at the beginning and that really resonated with members. The discussion questions prompted a good conversation that brought to mind parts of the story we might not have discussed.
I Ioved this fun and funny book with every piece of my heart. It was my first Katherine Center novel and it felt as if I was sitting with a BFF listening to her tell e this hilarious and heartwarming story. 10/10! The Author’s Note alone is worth 5 stars. Don’t skip it! Recommended for those who enjoy funny, happy love stories! We’re so appreciative of the opportunity! “
Literary Fires Everywhere: "We all enjoyed this book. I am definitely not a regular rom-com reader— I usually find myself rolling my eyes at plots that make others swoon— but I really did love this book. It’s super cute, engaging, and the characters feel real. Even the setting popped right off the page! Definitely recommend grabbing this one!
Hannah has been hired to be a bodyguard to Jack, a Hollywood burnout who would prefer not to have a bodyguard. The pair have palpable chemistry, and I quickly found myself rooting for them. We are not huge romance readers and we’re all pleasantly surprised that it was both fluffy and deep, a un reads with a bit of drama. We all loved the touches and the author’s descriptions. (The Bush steak knives)."
Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; and Bookish Ladies, Coto de Caza, CaliforniaHESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese (St. Martin's Press, 10/4/22)
A vivid reimagining of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne, the tragic heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and a journey into the enduring legacy of New England's witchcraft trials.Get Woke: "HESTER’s message empowered us! As Laurie Lico Albanese writes, Hester Prynne is ‘a heroic woman who defies powerful men and vengeful villagers by wearing the symbol of her shame like a badge of courage.’ Heroic women! May we be them and may we raise them!”A major symbol, incorporating the books' themes, was Isobel's sewing skill and her ability to design and stitch beautiful patterns and scenes that revealed emotions and contained hidden messages.
Each member of the book club was asked to bring a bottle of wine (or another beverage of choice), containing a label that could reflect a 'hidden' message or theme of the story. Our discussion involved each of the members presenting her wine and describing the label, revealing aspects of the novel. These included PROPHECY WINES— The label’s images relate to the supernatural world, and scenes with shooting stars. Isobel struggles to accept her power, and the woman on the label exhibits power.*TEMPTATION AND EVE—Depicts Eve tempting Adam. Isobel’s community shuns her as a witch when she becomes pregnant. EVE elicited discussion on the Bible story – Isobel notes its message about untrustworthy women. GNARLY HEAD WINES—summarizes many characters' mental states: Hawthorne struggles with his family history of witch trials. Isobel struggles with her artistic creations and powers. *KALEIDOSCOPE:— Isabel’s gift enables her to create beautiful designs and messages on clothing and understand others’ emotions. WITCHING HOUR: summarized the novel’s mystery, fantasy, excitement, and passion.
Menu: A ‘community rice bowl’ is symbolic of the support and encouragement women shared in the novel. Member brought ingredients. Along with the theme of wine, dessert bars were labeled ‘Primitive Nuts’: many characters reflect this title!
We also shared a representation of each member’s name created by a woman with synesthesia.”We thought character of 'Hathorne' -- what the author calls Hawthorne-- could have been developed a bit further as he seemed shallow and his treatment of Isobel seemed dismissive. The social issues of the time were well highlighted by the author with a concurrent story of the Witch Trials in Salem, the plight of fleeing saves using the Underground Railroad, the mistreatment and victimization of women who had no rights, the struggles of prejudice that immigrants face in America We enjoyed the novel and feel it is going to become a best seller - it was definitely a compelling read!
Menu: Bee-shaped tea cakes and chocolate and lemon lavender scones to enjoy with tea and coffee.
Bookish Ladies: "Everyone enjoyed the book and a fresh reboot of The Scarlet Letter. The author did a wonderful retelling and we loved the characters and the story. We had a great discussion and we’re so happy to have this fun experience. We highly recommend HESTER! One member loved the book so much that she took a trip to Salem - ok it was a brilliant coincidence that she was going there!"
Menu: "Many colorful vegetables mentioned in the book."
Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas and Cork and Olive Book Club, Valrico, FloridaHALF-BLOWN ROSE by Leesa-Cross Smith (Grand Central, 2022)
A novel about a woman remaking her life after her husband’s betrayal leads to a year of travel, art, and passion in Paris.
Famished for Fiction: “We had a great time discussing HALF-BLOWN ROSE! This book really stretched us!" We discussed infidelity quite a bit: some members felt that the current problem —the marriage— needed to be resolved before embarking on another adventure—a relationship with Loup. We discussed that Vincent and Loup being independently wealthy contributed to their ability to just 'do as they pleased'. Vincent runs off to Paris; she and Loup travel by train to visit Theo, and family. Her family’s laid-back attitude when she shows up with Loup is a bit shocking; but, put into the context of their family, it made sense. SPOILER ALERT: We felt the ending left questions unanswered...maybe a sequel is in the plans? We would love to know if Vincent will return to Cillian, stay with Loup or go out on her own. We felt she was d searching for her freedom by leaving Kentucky and fleeing to Paris; but, in the end, becomes more tied down with the pregnancy. We recommend this book to those who enjoy Paris, romance, art, and secrets."Menu: We loved that the novel was set in Paris so we met at a French restaurant, Toulouse Cafe & Bar for quiche, Toulouse salad, lobster rolls, lobster risotto, and rose-themed drinks: French 77 and Rose all-day punch."
Cork and Olive: We looked forward to HALF-BLOWN ROSE, as we enjoyed Leesa’s novel THIS CLOSE TO OKAY and this did not disappoint! We enjoy her writing style—a phenomenal writer!” There was much discussion about whether Vincent should have led her husband on, whether it was wrong for her to be with Loup before a decision about her marriage, and whether she should have reached out to Tully and his mother. No one liked Cillian's actions and would have preferred Vincent to end her marriage if she was going to go be with someone else. We discussed Vincent's relationship with her children and the growing relationship with Tully, who we loved. There was concern that Vincent spent more time on Tully with her children, although we know that she loved them - she just didn't share as much of herself with them. We all want an epilogue!! We agreed that we needed to know what Vincent decided. Some hoped she kicked both Cillian and Loop to the curb, stayed in Paris, and raised the baby herself. Some thought she might have both... We loved that she decided to just do whatever she felt— eat pastries, sleep during the day, do whatever her spirit felt, while she proces
sed this punch in the gut to her life.
We enjoyed the references to food, art, books, and music. It was SO brilliant that Leesa created Vincent's Spotify playlists. We were delighted to see videos and references to characters on @anchoismusic. What a great way to bring the book to life! C'est bon bon bon! We recommend this novel to those who enjoy travel, art, and passion.”
Menu: "Our menu featured foods referenced —wonderfully varied and not all French! Cranberry Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes, Chickpea Stew, Fig Jam and Cheese with crackers, Rosemary Flatbread with Hummus and Olives, Pain au Chocolat, Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies, and of course, Champagne!
Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Literary Lovelies of Yonkers, New York Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Finer Things Book Club of Brentwood, CaliforniaTHE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK by Ellen Marie Wiseman (Kensington, 8/22)
The story about the Willowbrook State School, the Staten Island mental institution that shocked a nation when exposed in the 1970s as a dumping ground for unwanted children.
Sensational Seven: "We are fortunate to read this new novel from a favorite author! Once again, Ms. Wiseman has so eloquently written about another of our nation’s past social injustices. We compared our strong responses to the novel with other books with difficult topics. She has shed light on a piece of our history that is so important to learn about. Her take on Willowbrook through the eyes of sixteen-year-old, Sage Winters, was a riveting ‘page-turner.’ When Sage discovers her twin sister, Rosemary, was alive and had been institutionalized for years at Willowbrook; she courageously heads to the school to rescue her. We discussed our emotional responses in realizing that these atrocities occurred in our lifetime and in our country Our discussion centered on how the children’s parents felt after learning the truth of events at the ‘school.’ We were sad and horrified over Willowbrook, and had for the staff and media who were crucial to its closure. We felt grateful for the advancement in care and treatment of the mentally ill and incapacitated members of our society today.”
Menu: "Our take on related food/drink: White chicken chili, representing the colorless mush that residents at Willowbrook were served daily. We also drank Tequila Sunrises, a popular cocktail in 1972, using orange juice. In the novel, the nurses mixed medication in orange juice to keep the residents sedated. No meds were used by our book club- only tequila and grenadine in the OJ!”
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “We enjoy historical fiction and mystery and this was the best of both worlds!”Some members recently toured a State Hospital in Michigan and were able to compare what they learned with Willowbrook. Ellen Marie Wiseman joined us via Zoom to answer questions about how she researched the book and where the ideas came from— including the big twist. It was especially fun because she had been at the memorial at Willowbrook the day before and was able to tell us about meeting some of the doctors and attendants who helped to blow the whistle, per se. We discussed society during this time, and why it was often recommended for parents to place children in a place like Willowbrook. We discussed how parents could see their child in that state, not say anything- many of us agreed that during that time, people deferred to 'authority’ and took the doctors at their word. Today, parents question and challenge authority, especially when it comes to doctors and teachers. We agreed this was one of the saddest stories we had heard and had time wrapping our heads around the fact that while it’s a fictional story the setting, conditions, and many of the characters were real. We also didn’t see the twist coming (Ellen said that even her editor didn’t see that one!).”
Menu: "Pancakes and bacon, a build-your-own-oatmeal bar, and orange juice —spiked with champagne instead of sedatives, as in the book."
Literary Lovelies: "This was truly a fascinating book that led to a great discussion about mental health. We couldn't believe it was based on a true story! We all loved this fascinating story, and it was heartbreaking to know it was based on a real situation. The subject matter was difficult but we all enjoyed the historical fiction and somewhat true crime genre in this well-written and detailed novel. Wiseman graphically describes the school, where employees brutalize and demean their residents. It’s after a reporter sneaks into the facility— the journalist is Geraldo Rivera, who was instrumental in getting the facility rehabbed and shut down —that light is shed on these inhumane conditions. We discussed the women brought to this facility, mental health, and the management of those needing special care. It was terrible that couldn’t speak up for themselves, and that no one ever checked on them This dark and gritty story will stay with us for a long time—it was so interesting and led to a fabulous discussion. This is my first time reading this author and I will be looking for more of her books."
Elizabeth's Book Chat, Frisco, Texas; Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey; North Wales Area Public Library; PennsylvaniaWHEN WE LET GO by Rochelle Weinstein
A novel about mothers and daughters, loss and acceptance, the lessons that come from heartbreak, and the healing it takes to embrace the joy of a second chance.Elizabeth’s Book Chat: "A wonderful match We had a very lively discussion with author Rochelle Weinstein and the book was so well received. Everyone loved it! There were different elements of the story that each of us could relate to which made it even more interesting. The author's style of writing is genuine and heartfelt. As we read the words on the page, we also were able to actually feel the emotions. What was very interesting was when members asked Rochelle where the idea for the tree came from. The response kept everyone chatting for a while. Great interaction!”
Book Club Girls Sparta: “A new author to us, and this moving story was enjoyed by all. Many could relate to the protagonist's profound level of loss and trauma and how one moment in her young life altered her future relationships with those closest to her. Trauma, grief, mother-daughter, sister, family, forgiveness, strength, and courage were all key factors that resonated with our readers. We discussed the importance of self-care and women surrounding themselves with people they can trust and open up to, and give themselves permission to move on and heal. We enjoyed the mother/ daughter theme. Read this moving novel if you are looking for a story of mothers, daughters, first love, second chances, and the powerful bond of sisters. “
Over-Readers Anonymous of Cumming, Georgia, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, Wine Club with a Book Problem, Woodstock, GeorgiaOVERKILL by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 8/22)
A crime thriller in which a conflict of conscience between a former football star and an ambitious state prosecutor swiftly intensifies into a fight for their lives.
Reckless Readers: "OVERKILL satisfied the thriller need, romance desire, and contemplative fiction we all love. It was an excellent book club book that sparked much conversation: the question of whether or not we would want to stay alive, or if we could actually pull the plug ourselves on a loved one, after being in a coma with no brain activity. The characters had moral and religious struggles with this choice, and we empathized with them. We loved the spicy romance in the book —with much discussion about how much more of it everyone wanted—as well as the direction of the story. Eban’s character sent us on another heated conversation about entitlement and the evils that wealth can add to an already evil person’s being. Sandra Brown did an excellent job of making us hate him, and kept us page-turning hoping for a better outcome. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy a little romance in their thriller, and heavy discussion points."
Menu: "Our drink—the Blue Overkill (vodka blue Curacao, and pineapple juice) was tasty, like Zach, and packed a punch like Kate. Paired with charcuterie."
Over-Readers Anonymous: “We recommend OVERKILL for those who enjoy crime fiction, suspense thrillers, and contemporary issues with a little romance thrown in! Our book club has enjoyed several Sandra Brown novels, they're entertaining and also touch on issues that lead to a deeper discussion. We discussed the ethical dilemma at the foundation of OVERKILL and delved into medical ethics, end-of-life planning, the characters, the plot, the judicial system, and the celebrity spotlight. As we all have roots in the south, we liked the Atlanta, New Orleans, and North Carolina settings. OVERKILL was action-packed and easy-to-read."
Menu: “As a BBQ menu was suggested by the author, met at a local restaurant for pulled pork!." (see Sandra Brown's recipe)
Book Club Girls: "An enjoyable read with developed characters an incredible, setting, and suspense well paced throughout the book. We discussed what we would do if faced with the same situation as Zach even though none of our members have had to face this situation. What many of us thought should have been a clear-cut choice, as we wove through the narrative we came to understand that there were so many layers to this that came into play that it wasn't as simple as we believed in the beginning. The most hated character was the villain Eban and although he is fictional, we agreed there are real people in the world like him. When you are so wealthy that you can make so many disastrous choices as a human with no consequences was highlighted. What would have happened to someone else who wasn't as wealthy? Also, we all agreed that no one really thought about Rebecca, until they were forced to, which led us to agree it was unacceptable for her to continue to be victimized in a way for so very long. But, if she was allowed to let go in the beginning, there wouldn't be as much of a plot line for the book. Loved the premise of the story, it gave lots of topics for discussion.
Menu: "We recommend bbq, pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans, and any tailgating type of foods that would be a nod to North Carolina and football."
Wine Club with a Book Problem: "OVERKILL is a good thought-provoking story. The topic of life support and having your affairs in order gave us a good discussion, and we enjoyed the setting of Atlanta since we live in the area. Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger has MPA for his ex-wife, Rebecca, who has been placed on life support after a violent assault. Zach has kept Rebecca on life support for 4 years to honor her parent's wishes. The attacker, Eban, gets an early release from prison and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. If Rebecca were to die, Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off and put Eban back in prison. We discussed that no one really thought about Rebecca. Zach was concerned about how he would be portrayed by the media, her father keeping her alive to punish Zach, and Eban boasting how his father's money got him out of prison early and now he can bet back to partying. It was unacceptable to keep Rebecca on life-support for so long.
Menu: "There are many football analogies and football references throughout the book. We put together a Tailgate Football Menu: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Balsamic Fig Infused Burger Bites, Wings, Homemade Salsa & Chips plus Guacamole, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pizza Pepper Poppers."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; CT Lit, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Kings Chapel Book Club Arrington, Tennessee,ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir (Penguin Teen, 3/22)
A contemporary novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.
Reading Between the Wines: "We all enjoyed the book and thought the author did a wonderful job of creating flawed and 'real' characters that we grew to care about."This was a great match for our club. Our discussion included immigrants' struggles to preserve their culture while trying to achieve the American Dream, the nature of generational trauma, the opioid crisis, and the role of faith in people's lives- so many things to discuss! We became invested in the characters of Noor and Sal and the traumatic events that they and their families, experienced impacted us, and provided a lot of jumping-off points for discussion. Watching their growth throughout the novel gave it a hopeful ending. We loved this book and were fully invested in these characters, and reading it was a very emotional journey. Recommended to clubs that enjoy books discussing contemporary themes, strong characters, and emotional reads.
Menu: We met at a local Indian/Pakistani restaurant to enjoy food discussed and eaten in the novel: chai tea, poori, halwa, Chicken Kashmiri, and paratha, among other dishes!
Page Ladies: “We went in expecting a contemporary story about friendship and forgiveness but what we got was so much more. Thank you, Sabaa Tahir, for sharing this devastating but absolutely beautiful story with us! This is a powerful story that affected each of us differently. It's one that will stay with us for a long time. Until The Fight Salahudin and Noor were more than friends; they were family. Now, Sal is struggling with keeping his family's motel afloat as his mother's health fails and his father loses himself to alcoholism. Meanwhile, Noor is working at her uncle's liquor store and hiding the fact that she’s applying to college so she can escape him and Juniper forever. Sal and Noor must ask themselves what friendship is worth and what it takes to defeat the monsters in their pasts and the ones in their midst. This is an emotional and moving story about friendship, forgiveness, and heartache; it’s like taking a deep dive into a pool full of emotions. Grief, betrayal and forgiveness, loss, rage— you will feel every single one and more in this book. No one from our book club was able to finish this book with dry eyes. There are so many topics that were brought up and all were not easy to discuss: death, drugs, prejudice, and physical abuse. The writing is absolutely wonderful—Sabaa Tahir is a fabulous storyteller. She has a way with words that touches each of her readers.“
Get Woke Book Club “Members arrived with books displaying colorful post-it tabs, which visually reflected the common greeting, 'there is so much to think about in this novel!A group of mothers and grandmothers very much enjoyed the novel by a young adult author and its detailed and realistic picture of the struggles that immigrants face in relocating to the United States and of the family traditions and secrets that follow the immigrants to their new home. The culture and religious traditions of Pakistan were vividly described in an engaging storyline and beautiful prose. The main plot follows the lives of two Pakistani teens, who are struggling with school, personal tragedies, and love. They are surrounded by other well-drawn characters who add depth to the story. We discussed the many plot lines and themes: diversity, forgiveness, hope, family relationships, communication, secrecy, and loss. Tahir fills the novel with music, probably an excellent technique for adolescent readers—they can easily relate to the messages and emotions through familiar songs. Noor uses songs and their lyrics to help cope with the conflicts in her life.
Members shared selfies with short reflections: “Music plays a role in helping us deal with life’s adversities.* When is a relationship worth salvaging? *Fortunately forgiveness does not have an expiration date. It waits and always hopes to be the last word. *Peeling through the complicated layers of life we can see, appreciate and begin to understand one another. * One of my favorite quotes ‘Great passions grow into monsters in the dark of the mind; but if you share them with loving friends they remain human, they can be endured.’ * Tahir effectively introduces sections with lines from Elizabeth Bishop's poem, “One Art. Many characters ‘lost’ things: family, money, businesses, dignity. A lesson we all may need is that losing isn’t always bad.: 'the art of losing’s not too hard to master’ *While keeping a secret is meant to protect someone at some point, keeping that secret might be doing more harm.”
CT Lit Book Club: "We’ve been exploring new genres, and we enjoyed ALL MY RAGE, a heartbreaking story that touches on a lot of sensitive topics which gave us plenty to discuss.ALL MY RAGE introduced us to Pakistani culture. This young adult story follows two Pakistani teens growing up in a small town in California and the grim realities of their American dream. Even through difficult times their cultural norms held them together as a family, even if not by blood, the young adult characters are each facing their own struggles—the death of a loved one, racism, alcoholism, drugs, abuse— they are navigating grief, failure, and forgiveness, and must ultimately lean on one another to make sense of the chaos they are facing. It was shocking to imagine our younger selves in situations like these and we spent time reflecting on how the kids navigated various situations. One that stood out is how Salahudin and Noor dealt with the drug bust, and how their relationship persevered. We also discussed how Salahudin came to terms with his abuse. We recommend ALL MY RAGE for clubs learning about other cultures, family drama, and historical fiction."
Kings Chapel: “Thank you for the chance to read this insightful novel. We had a fabulous discussion and I think it was good to read outside our usual genres. This is a heart-wrenching story about two teens from Pakistani families living in Juniper, California, dealing with tough circumstances, basically all by themselves. We don’t read much YA, It was out of the comfort zone for most of the ladies. but the tough topics represented in this story, such as grief, alcoholism, physical abuse, and racism, were easier to handle in the Young Adult format. Understanding why the characters made the choices they did was something we discussed quite a bit. As teens, they made decisions that were wrong but for the right reasons and it was interesting to get in the minds of these teens and try to understand why. As parents, it was hard to read at times, feeling so sad for these kids who have had such a hard life. But seeing them grow and learn from mistakes and stand up for others, gave the book a nice redemption quality in the end. Recommended for groups that enjoy YA coming of age and social justice."
Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut, Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma;
Lit Ladies Read, Melbourne, Florida; Thrillers by The Book / Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas;
Thrillers by The Book / Costa Mesa, California, CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut recommend:
THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK by Jennifer Hillier (Minotaur 7/22)
Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.
Reckless Readers: An excellent match! Everyone was excited to talk about the twists. We had much to discuss with THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK. Members were messaging before we met, needing to talk about the book as they were finishing it. It was like a month-long meeting, behind the scenes! Usually, if continuous discussion is prompted, the book was a hit. To say the book was twisty is an understatement. This book was twisty than a country back road! A few of us seasoned readers predicted the big twists, but most of us were surprised and shocked. Together, we all needed to unload about the horrendous mothering and terrible situations that Joey was put in throughout her childhood. All of the women in our group are mothers, which makes the book hit us so much harder. But the book wasn’t just about sexual abuse and trauma. There is a high-profile murder that could potentially unearth secrets that need to be kept hidden. The conversation got animated when we discussed Joelle's charge with murder, and there was much discussion about the relationship between Ruby and Joey. As mothers, we found it hard to imagine how Ruby could treat Joey the way she did and put her in such horrible situations. It was heartbreaking and disturbing ."
Chilly Thrillies: “Thank you for giving our group the gift of a 5-star read, a perfect match! We were engaged from start to finish and loved how much there was to discuss. It had the thrills of a book with great character development and storyline. We discussed narcissism and how it affects relationships, specifically parent-child, how the way you are raised affects your instincts and perspective of others, fight or flight and how we would react in certain scenarios in the book, sexual abuse, and its long-term effects, age gap relationships and how people can be evil, but the 'lesser evil.’ We debated which storyline in the dual timeline was more action-packed—something hard to accomplish. Normally, we’re more interested in one storyline, We each were able to predict one of the twists, but we're stumped on the others and loved that there was more than one twist revealed. I was so impressed, I read Hillier’s JAR OF HEARTS. Recommended for those who enjoy a page-turning thriller with complex characters that you root for."
Menu: We made a Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe similar to what Paris makes towards the end of the book (she used pork instead of chicken). We were inspired by her description of how learning to cook was so special when she was going through such a dark time.
Lit Ladies Read: “We enjoyed this twisty, thriller/mystery. and had a very lively discussion! We had so much to discuss. We enjoyed the storytelling, shifting between past and present. and different points of view. This really helped to fully develop the characters. Although some predicted twists, we were still engrossed in the story and wanted to see how things played out.
“Our discussion centered around the characters and their relationships. One of our favorites was that between Jimmy and Paris and the highlight of our discussion was the relationship between Paris/Joey and Ruby. We disagreed about how adult Paris should have handled Ruby and decided that we had to agree to disagree about our feelings towards Paris, but we all agreed that this book was a hit for our group. The mystery is multi-layered, with deep characters. Many members put other books by this author on their ‘to be read’ list."
Thrillers by the Book Club, DFW: "This was our best GalleyMatch, perfect for our group and for book clubs that like dark and twisted mysteries“We all loved how the book started with a very intriguing and captivating scene Joey’s background was very interesting and her relationship with her mother was so toxic. There are a few mysteries in the story. Besides trying to find out if Paris murdered her husband, we’re also trying to work out Paris’ past, how did she go from living with an abusive unstable mother, who is now in prison, to living a wealthy life married to a famous celebrity? I enjoyed Paris’ past the most I loved the intensity in the chapters that focused on Paris’ childhood and upbringing. Ruby, her mother, was such an intriguing and complex character—a terrible mother, self-centered and irresponsible, which caused Paris a lot of pain and uncertainty. While a few members predicted the twist, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this dark and suspenseful story.”
Thrillers by The Book, Costa Mesa: “This was an excellent pick for our club! The majority liked or loved this one! Some said it was one of their favorite picks of the year. Many of the members enjoyed the mystery of learning about the murderer in the end, and the alternating timelines of the female main character. There were a variety of opinions about who committed the crime.”
CT Lit Book Club: "This was the perfect match for us! We have been craving a thriller and this was on all of our anticipated release lists. We all enjoyed the book, and were so excited to have a chance to preview it! We discussed how jam-packed this book was with plot points. There was much to hold your attention and give you room to try and predict what would happen. We loved how creative Hillier is— there is one scene in specific that was so creative and will leave us remembering the book forever! (hint hint, ice skates). Half of us had read another book by Hillier, and we all agreed that we want to read more Hiller titles."
The Ladies of Autumnwood, Grand Isle, New York, Mom and I Book Club of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, recommend:
THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT BY Lynda Cohen Loigman (St. Martin's Press, 9/20/22)
An intergenerational story about two women—a grandmother and granddaughter—who share the same incredible gift: the ability to identify soulmates
The Ladies of Autumnwood: We loved THE MATCHMAKER’S GIFT! Reading about Raskin’s pickles and the knish shops brought back wonderful memories of shopping at a pickle store in lower Manhattan barrels with barrels on the sidewalk and enjoying a great knish. These memories, among other topics, helped to round out our animated discussion last night. Members didn’t know much about ‘yentas’ or matchmakers and their role in creating Jewish courtship relations. We enjoyed learning about the bravery of the young girl, who beyond the fact that she was Jewish opened our eyes to the challenges of women, not unlike what some have to endure to break that glass ceiling today."
Menu: “We enjoyed Challah and red wine, and took home jars of pickles that I designed with a Raskin’s label.”
My Mom and I: “This pick was perfection. Not only did it match our love of magical realism but we agreed it’s the best book we’ve read this year. You found the perfect book for us!”
“We discussed magic, love, strong women, lovable characters, and the absolute beauty of the writing. We recommend this book to those who enjoy magical realism, foodie fiction, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. The author wrote a book that we treasure and we’re raving about it to everyone. This is a book that you feel like hugging at the end. We absolutely loved it. It’s a gem! “
Menu: "A smorgasbord! We had a blast capturing foods mentioned in the book lox and capers, cornichons— we decorated pickle jars with ‘The Pickle King’, as in the book. We had magical color-changing butterfly tea, as we wanted some magic to go with the story, and chocolate babka for dessert, like our beloved characters baked.
St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; Mom and I Book Club, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania; Pittsford Moms Book Club, Pittsford, New York, and Port Wine and Book Society Readers, Port Washington, Wisconsin recommend:
OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen (St Martins, Press, 8/30/22)
A novel about a young woman who claims her deceased mother's apartment in an island town, where she meets she meets quirky and secretive neighbors.
St. Louis Women’s Book Club: "A great match! We felt like this was the perfect mix of themes, giving us questions and a variety of topics to discuss. Having an arc made us feel like ‘VIPs’ to the publishing process. This novel was cozy, nostalgic, and heartfelt! Allen’s characters help redefine the word ‘family’ in the most beautiful way. We discussed the definition of home and chosen family, food as a love language —and inspiration for potlucks for book club!! The setting—so realistic and magical, the imagery of the birds and the meaning. OTHER BIRDS takes you on a magical journey of youth, delicately balancing both beauty and sadness. We recommend this book to clubs who are fans of magical realism. It was fuzzy, cozy --the perfect happy read."
Menu: "We made amazing foods to match the book: cornmeal air-fried tomatoes, potato chips on Hawaiian rolls, Mac & cheese, cornbread, Palomas, and marshmallow popcorn."
My Mom and I: "Thank you for a rare opportunity to preview our favorite author’s new book! Sarah Addison Allen's first novel GARDEN SPELLS introduced us to our favorite genre, magical realism. I saved the book for the perfect moment and then tore into it. After waiting eight years for her new book I knew I’d read it too quickly and, that’s what happened We are Italian and loved the ‘found family’ theme and 'food is love' philosophy running through the novel. We enjoyed the foodie talk, animals, ghosts, and magical elements. All characters and storylines were interesting and mysterious; sometimes beautiful, but sometimes ugly but always interesting. Several big reveals had us slack-jawed!
While OTHER BIRDS is a little sadder and darker than her previous works, the magic and the love and the beauty left the reader with a love of the characters and a belief that as the characters live beyond 'the end' of the book all turned out well for them. And you will want that because you will be left loving nearly everything about OTHER BIRDS! We recommend this to those who like magical realism and foodie fiction."
Menu: "Cornmeal marshmallow dishes based on a character: Fluffernutters (marshmallow whip and peanut butter sandwiches), tamale pie stuffed peppers, cornmeal sugar cookies, and marshmallow-flavored lip balm as a keepsake."
Pittsford Moms: "We had so much fun with OTHER BIRDS! We loved this found family story and all the special characters! The novel was a good fit for our club. We try to switch up genres/authors and most members like books with some magic realism elements. We felt it was an easy read and generally flew through the book - Thanks! kept our attention. We loved the story of found family, the characters, and their backgrounds. Books with paranormal/magic realism can be hit or miss for most members but they worked well with this story and added background and historical context for many of the characters. We had a great discussion about the twists and the characters' diverse backgrounds— we would have liked a little more depth to some characters that had very traumatic backgrounds. We recommend OTHER BIRDS to groups that enjoy a touch of magic realism and found family stories!”
Menu: "S’mores bars— the story takes place on Marsh Island and all restaurants in town have something marshmallow on their menu.”
Port Wine and Book Society: "A great match for our club! We recommend this enchanting story written from the heart, with interesting characters and subplots.”Zoey was such a delightful, open and honest young character— we all adored her. We liked how the story unfolded by hearing different characters' viewpoints in each chapter. The Dellawisps added fun and interest, some of us thought they may have stolen Charlotte's money. We loved the descriptions of Mallow Island - we live in a small tourist town in Wisconsin and really identified with that. The highlighted passages in Lizbeth’s copy of Sweet Mallow were ironic because she didn't live her life according to any of them - she was so stuck in the past it literally killed her. We enjoyed a unique story, quirky characters, and the theme of food as friendship/love."
Menu: “The detail around food was great! We made several dishes with corn or cornmeal to celebrate it: Polenta and shrimp, fresh corn salad, corn dip and corn chips, and popcorn.”
CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; KU Endowment, Lawrence, Kansas; and Girls Clubhouse, Auburn, California recommend
MIRROR GIRLS by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 2/22)
A gothic horror novel about twin sisters separated across the color line after the murder of their parents (YA historical fiction/ magical realism/fantasy).
CT Lit: “MIRROR GIRLS was a great discussion starter and the perfect book to read with a group. It took us out of our comfort zone and was eye-opening, a reminder that segregation is not so far in the past. We are transported to the South—and blatant racism —which as a group of white women living in Connecticut, we don't have experience with. We follow twin sisters Magnolia and Charlie, separated at birth—one raised as Black in New York City and one raised as white-passing in the Deep South— who learn the secret everyone has kept from them. The novel portrayed how indoctrinated people were, and in some cases ready to push racism aside when it would benefit them. We discussed how Charlie's view on life differs after growing up in the more liberal Harlem and compared it to growing up in Connecticut and traveling in different areas in the United States. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy Brit Bennett's THE VANISHING HALF.”
Page Ladies: "We all enjoyed this historical fiction with a paranormal twist that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The book offered many different topics, generating a nice discussion: the time period, the girls as individuals, their different upbringings and when they came together, the decision to separate them and not tell them about each other, and much more! A wonderful story about twin girls Charlie and Magnolia who were separated after their parents died for love across the color line and have no idea the other exists. Magnolia. raised in Georgia, is the white heiress to a cotton plantation. Charlie, raised in Harlem with her Nana, is a young Black organizer. When Charlie's grandmother falls ill, they return to Georgia. When the girls do meet Magnolia discovers her reflection has disappeared. They couldn’t be more different, but they will need each other to put the hauntings of the past to rest, break the mirrors’ deadly curse, and discover the meaning of sisterhood in a racially divided land. Seeing the girls come together to create that sisterly bond was wonderful, as is the writing, and pacing. The curse and the ghosts added an interesting twist to the story.”
Girls Clubhouse: "We all enjoyed MIRROR GIRLS and we tried to capture the supernatural aspect of the book with mirror images” Charlie and Magnolia both born in the South but separated at birth live separate lives but face the double threat of racism and ghosts. We discussed how ‘Colored Town ‘is equally foreign to both girls, despite being born there; contrasting with where they were each raised. Magnolia knows the rules of the general area, while Charlie knows how things are done —how stories are told, some traditions. The concept of the veil as the place between this world and the afterlife was used by the author also as the place between the white world and the colored world, which made this gothic story much more intriguing than if it had been singularly used. This forces both girls to examine who they are and what they are willing to live with. Members enjoy supernatural books, and the idea of ghosts to help guide the characters was appealing. We found it to be a ‘light’ supernatural read. We recommend to clubs who enjoy gothic young adult novels."
KU Endowment: "Everyone loved the book. Some members were pleasantly surprised by the way supernatural elements were combined with social commentary and realistic events. The author was able to shine a light on the atrocities of slavery and segregation without being heavy-handed and shows us a playbook for fighting back through the strong and determined sisters, Charlie and Magnolia. The past can haunt us but that doesn't mean it has to control us, and love will conquer hate. One member discussed the book with her 86-year-old mother, who shared memories of her experiences during segregation. We all felt hopeful and inspired by the book and loved the characters. We talked about what it would be like not to know your origins and what would inspire someone to fight against things they know are wrong when it could cost them everything. We recommend to those that enjoy strong characters, historical fiction, and being inspired."
The Revivals Book Club The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas; Zoom-Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma
THE CICADA TREE by Robert Gwaltney, Jr.
A novel about an 11-year-old, whisky-drinking, piano prodigy who encounters a wealthy family of supernatural beauty.
The Revivals: “Have we missed out on a genre of remarkable books or were we gifted a gem in a genre we might not have read? The debut novel THE CICADA TREE soared to the top of the 2022 best reads. We dare you not to highlight dozens of richly written sentences; our galleys are filled with colorful post-it notes. The discussion questions gave deeper insight into the themes and allegories we hadn’t considered. We agreed that the book fit into genres of southern gothic, magical realism, and coming-of-age. We explored biblical allegories: good and evil, Jesus, John the Baptist, Cain and Abel, plague, water, and fire. Once every 13 years, the cicadas emerge in tremendous numbers to mate and disrupt human life and comfort; some believe they hold our secrets. Gwaltney has a gift for bringing all together in an unforgettable book appealing to multiple genres and readers. We discussed how music and the song of the Cicadas featured prominently, and the writing allowed us to hear the music as the book’s climax approached. There are themes of coming-of-age, transformation, and rebirth. Gwaltney poetically foreshadows the storyline early as the story’s protagonist, a typical tween experiencing growing pains, insecurity, and self-recrimination sheds her childhood as a cicada does. Triumphing over evil, the novel reaches an angelic and lyrical end. There are as many ways to love this book as there are to interpret it–we dare you to read it! We all loved this novel.”
Menu: Iced Tea, Autumn Apple & Feta Salad, Watermelon Salad, Feta, Mint; Skillet Cheddar Cornbread, Southern Pecan Praline Cookies, Coffee on a garden patio.
Zoom-Chilly Thrillies: We had a great time reading and discussing THE CICADA TREE, a wonderful match that pushed us out of our comfort zone, with its unique blend of genres— historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. This was a unique story! We agreed it was unpredictable and gave much to discuss. Some words members shared to describe the writing style and story were: Gothic, descriptive, imaginative, twisted, mystical, humorous, innocent, and unpredictable! We were excited about the discussion and most finished it quickly-after the halfway point, unable to put it down.
"We discussed symbolism, class differences, racism, religion, southern culture, character motivations, and family relationships. and how the main character was looking up to a family she aspired to. We discussed our childhood oddities, raised by the mention of the character's liking the feel of pain. We enjoyed that it was told through a child's lens, while dark but the child's perspective ensured curiosity and humor even when horrifying things are happeningThe writing is creative and descriptive and made us think about things such as how you hear music in a new light. The ending was haunting and beautiful and there were many shocked reactions!
"We also discussed the movies or books we thought possibly influenced the author, including REBECCA, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and MEAN GIRLS., We are eager to read Gwaltney's next novel!"
Menu: “Iced tea was sipped!"
Famished for Fiction: “A wonderful opportunity to read a complex story with a bit of mystery and unexpected twists and turns. Our group is diverse, and open to new and different genres, and appreciated the opportunity to discover this book. We discussed the focus of music and its impact on the progression of the story. Music is a major theme throughout the piece, whether it is the music Mr. Mayfield had composed for his wife or the musical virtuosity of the Mayfield children. We explored the cicada's presence: cicadas are seasonal and burrow in the ground, so they are equivalent to all of the secrets that are buzzing around the town of Providence, connecting the Mayfields to Etta Mae and Analeise, and the link between their molting and the growing pains the main characters are experiencing.”
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Books and Brew, Allendale, Michigan; Carrollton Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas;
BluStocking Literacy Society, West Allis, Wisconsin
THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET by Sara Ackerman (Mira, 8/22)
A brilliant female code breaker and a pilot on a top-secret mission come together in this dazzling story of love and intrigue set during America’s darkest hour.
Ranch Readers: Our book club enjoyed this book as we read a non-fiction WWII book about codebreakers and many have traveled to Hawaii so both the theme and setting are familiar. The storyline was realistic and we enjoyed the dual timelines with relevance at the end of the book when the characters are planting a memorial garden on the plantation. We discussed our mother's vital roles during the war, such as working in a war plant, how women were disregarded and treated as second-class citizens, and the situations where the same treatment happens today.We discussed our Hawaiian travels: topography, lava fields, ocean conditions, and coffee plantations. Those that have visited the Mauna Kea Hotel described it. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy historical fiction and WWII stories.”
Menu: “Banana chocolate chip cake/ banana pudding topping, tropical fruit salad, Huli-huli Chicken.”
BluStocking Literacy Society: “A perfect match! We enjoy historical fiction/mystery that pulls us in and we all anticipated the discussion. We discussed the timeline and connections between the two eras, and the uncertainty that women codebreakers felt reflected by Lu as she struggles to establish herself as a journalist. Isabel walked a line between expressing her intelligence and thoughts and second-guessing herself and stepping back. It was fascinating to consider women in a secret intelligence role and the obstacles they had to overcome.”
Menu: "Wacky Cake, a classic chocolate cake born of necessity for WWII rationing.”
Carrollton Book Buddies: “A brilliant female codebreaker. An ‘unbreakable’ Japanese naval code. A pilot on a top-secret mission that could change the course of WWII. My book club loved THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET! The dual timeline novel is set in Hawaii. We enjoyed discussing the amazing roles women played in World War ll. While most of us decided we'd have been secretaries, one member thought the radar plotter sounded like a fit. We appreciated that there were those that worked as mechanics, pilots ferrying planes, medics, and of course, the codebreakers! The Dungeon where the codebreakers worked and the men in charge were a hot topic-the smoke, the drinking, the snobbery, all appalling. Just the thought of approaching the stairs and entering drew lots of remarks! We read the author's explanation of the difference between codes and ciphers and concluded the codebreakers were brilliant! We discussed survivor's guilt, the way Germans, Italians, and the Japanese were treated here in the states, and men in power and misuse of that power. We appreciated the way the threads were all tied up by the ending, though a surprise. The stunning descriptions of the Mauna Kea Hotel and the surroundings have us all wishing for a trip to Hawaii. We appreciated the brilliant, unique roles of women in war."
Menu: "We met at tropical Tommy Bahamas restaurant for a chopped salad with shrimp, coconut shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Tacos. Tropical beverages included. Cloud Coconut Martinis and Jalapeno Margaritas."
Books and Brew: "The story takes place in 1943 and 1965. It's 1943, and Isabel Cooper, who has lost her older brother in the attack on Pearl Harbor, is working as a code breaker, solving Japanese naval codes. Isabel seizes an opportunity to solve codes in Hawaii to locate her brother’s friends and learn about his life. In Hawaii, she stumbles into a life-changing mystery. In 1965, aspiring journalist Lu Freitas is traveling to the Mauna Kea Hotel for its grand opening, when she befriends a famous woman. When her new friend disappears, Lu investigates and soon uncovers a missing link to the past. We discussed women in history, World War II, the relationship between the main character to her friend and her brother's friends, her internal struggle, and women's roles during the war. I was so grateful to have received this book early for my book club! I was so immersed in the characters and their story, I couldn't put it down! Five stars!"
Reading is My Cardio, Smithfield, Rhode Island; Bookish Ladies, Coto De Caza, California; Next Chapter, Leesburg, Virginia
SIX DAYS IN ROME by Francesca Giacco (Grand Central, 5/22)
A young artist travels to Rome to heal a broken heart, where she confronts loneliness and intimacy, rage and desire in this debut novel.
Reading is My Cardio: "We adored this lyrical and atmospheric debut! It was refreshing to read a book with realistically flawed characters and where not everything gets tied up in a perfect bow. This character-driven story explores relationships in so many forms - family, romantic, and with one's self - and the writing is just beautiful. Truly a perfect book for summer, transporting us to Rome for a captivating six days. We discussed how this isn't a book with a lot of plot and yet it kept us interested throughout. We loved the writing and many of us highlighted passages that we shared and discussed, and the group also touched on whether we'd be able to travel solo as the main character did. Another subject that came up was how the narrative is almost stream of consciousness which some of our group enjoyed more than others. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy being transported to another place and appreciate character-driven books about self-discovery."
Menu: "Italian-themed cocktail party featuring charcuterie, Aperol Spritzes, and a gelato bar for dessert."
Bookish Ladies: "SIX DAYS IN ROME was beautifully written We enjoyed the food and descriptions around Rome! We loved how the book was written in terms of description and character development. It was a lighter, summer read. We felt l the character had a lot to work out but she never quite figured out what it was so there were a lot of questions left up for interpretation."
Menu: Italian rosé, homemade flatbreads with Italian pesto, mozzarella, fresh basil, aged balsamic, and roasted tomatoes.
Next Chapter: “Everyone agreed that Francesca Giacco's writing was beautiful,—and it was fun to read her book looking for food and drink that members can make and enjoy at book club! Emilia heads off on a six-day trip to Rome—it was supposed to be a romantic trip with her then-boyfriend Michael. but that’s not possible as he is married! With six days in Rome, Emilia will have time to reflect on why it wouldn’t work, why she deserves better, and time to enjoy the food and wine on her trip. We discussed what we thought happened to Michael: we had differing opinions to whether he had died or was with someone else or married. During her trip, she reflects on her relationship with her father and brother, and has lots of yummy food and drink throughout. We were happy that she met someone new and Emilia Is able to focus on herself and her art. Her six days in Rome weren’t what she had planned when she booked the trip, but sometimes better things come out of bad situations. Ah, the magic of Italy! One of our members took her book to Rome and shared photos."
Menu: “We enjoyed Aperol Spritz cocktails, a charcuterie board, tiramisu, and wine-soaked grapes”.
THE GOOD SISTER by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 2021)
A psychological thriller about the lies that bind two sisters.
Peoria Book Rack: “We agreed it was fast-paced and a quick read. The story keeps you guessing as you try to figure out the family dynamic between sisters Rose and Fern. the journals, their relationship with the mom, the twists! We also discussed Hepworth's versatility as an author. She has a solid list of backlist books that many of us are excited to check out! We recommend for book clubs that enjoy family thrillers.”
Thrillers by the Book: “Everyone loves Sally Hepworth, and this was a favorite! A likable main character and a fun story. We talked about representation in books, and the importance of character-driven books, and how her writing style is relatable and easy to read."
Novels N Latte: “Perfect for our club. We love good twisted family dynamics, and this sister story gave us a lot to discuss, including Fern's autism spectrum and which was actually the good sister.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, East Lawrence High School Book Club of Trinity, Alabama, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, and North Wales Area Library Book Club, Pennsylvania
DARK AND SHALLOW LIES by Ginny Myers Sain (Penguin Teen, 2021)
A supernatural thriller about a teen girl who disappears from her small town deep in the bayou, where magic festers beneath the surface of the swamp.
Reckless Readers: The story hooked the teens— they enjoyed the love story and the witchy aspect, and our adult readers also loved the book. We included teen daughters who wanted to join, and teachers and librarians in the group who wanted to preview it before ordering for their locations. A few of them have not read YA books, so it was a nice and unexpected change for them. We liked the Southern setting, and how the author submerged us in Bayou. From gigantic gators ( Willie Nelson) to psychic abilities, shapeshifter, and Aurora readers, this book is a full experience. The end was shocking and fit the story. We recommend this book for those that enjoy a hint of magic within a southern setting.
Menu: "Southern delights mentioned in the book: Honey’s Pralines, Willie Nelson’s Gator Piss cocktail—with Midori, lime juice, rum, sweet & sour mix, and seltzer—Cajun wings and shrimp dip."
North Wales Area Library: “Our group had one of the best discussions we can remember!”This was an excellent selection and discussion. The book brought the Louisiana bayou setting to life. One member was raised in the area and she especially thought the setting description was spot on. The group wondered why the word ‘shallow’ was included in the title: The lies did not seem shallow. We debated the killer, books were pulled out and theories shared. The hurricane preparation made for interesting reading. We discussed why an outside investigation might not have happened. All said they would read another Sain book and looked forward to the next book in the series. We hope to have our adult group discuss DARK AND SHALLOW LIES with our teen book club! Our group rates books with 1-5 stars. The lowest rating in the group was 4.5! We recommend this book to clubs who enjoy reading outside of the box.”
ELHS Book Club: “Thank you for providing yet another wonderful book for our students! We discussed the setting bayous, swamps, cypress trees, alligators, shrimp boats and houses on stilts. The author did an excellent job painting a picture for the reader. We also discussed mental illness which is woven into the plot through a couple of characters via subtle behaviors and downright craziness.
Menu: jambalaya, gumbo, and pistolette rolls.
Book Club Girls: “Don't be turned away by the YA label, this book is for all ages. It was completely off our radar as far as genre, and many readers gave it five stars, and couldn't believe it was a debut novel. One member stayed up until 5 am to finish— she just had to know the end! The writing was fantastic. We discussed the book is marketed as a YA title, however, NONE of us are near that demographic We felt the characters could be aged up to the 30s and 40' and still make sense—they were just as vital to the storyline as the plot. We felt the novel touched on mystery and supernatural themes but also the deep-rooted impact of emotional trauma that shapes us. We discussed how keeping secrets buried for so many years by everyone caused so much heartache and pain. If truths were told from the start, what would the lives of the children have been like?? A great evening with lots of thoughtful discussions and fun had by all."
Menu: Hurricane Punch, crawfish, gator bites, cajun fried catfish, and cornbread.
Lit Ladies Read Book Club of Melbourne, Florida and Thrillers by the Book of Costa Mesa, California
THE YOUNGER WIFE by Sally Hepworth, (St. Martins Press, 4/22)
A new novel of domestic suspense that delves into a tangled web of family secrets, and lies.
Lit Ladies Read: "We loved this book and had a great discussion, which centered on the theme of perceived reality. We had a great debate about whether Stephen was actually an abuser or just misunderstood. The epilogue raised more questions than provided answers. Our group had varying opinions depending on which character’s perspective we were discussing. We all enjoyed the ambiguous nature of the ending and agreed it was very clever. It was a lot of fun to discuss our own opinions and debate what we believed to be the truth. Some of our members took the book at face value, while others questioned what we had read and what we believed to be the truth.
"We liked how the story was told with alternating points of view and followed along easily when the perspective changed. The book dealt with some serious topics but was written in a very light-hearted way that made it a quick enjoyable read."
Menu: “Heather would have been proud! We met at a country club, in true Aston fashion. We had Mahi tacos and quesadillas in honor of Rachel and Darcy’s first date.”
Thrillers by the Book: "A perfect match! We’re big fans of Sally Hepworth! We loved the intriguing vibe the author created by not revealing right away who was involved in the accident from the opening scene. The story is based on many factors, dysfunctional family dynamics, abusive relationships, addiction, mental issues, and so many juicy secrets. We enjoyed Sally’s writing style and the characters she created. Sally has a way of making her characters very relatable and down to earth. We also enjoyed how she connected a piece of her real-life to one of the scenes in this book. Some of the secondary characters seemed to love Stephen but Heather and his kids suspect him of being abusive. The ending left us wondering if Stephen was in actual fact abusive. The women around him suffered a lot of 'accidents' but it’s never clear if they were really accidents or intentional. We recommend this title for book clubs that enjoy a family drama with a hint of suspense. Thank you for spoiling our book club!"
Page Ladies of Cleveland, Ohio, Bibliobibuli of San Diego, California, and HAH Reading Club of Kaukama, Wisconsin
THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY by Sherri L. Smith ((Penguin Young Readers, 2//20)
From the award-winning author of Flygirl comes this powerful WWII romance between two Japanese teens caught in the cogs of an unwinnable war.
Page Ladies: “Thank you for sharing this amazing, compelling, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking story about life in Japan during World War II. We were surprised by how much research went into it, and we are always interested in books that can teach us something. The story switches between Taro and Hana's perspectives so we see two sides of the story and what each experienced. Could we imagine being Hana, having to take care of the kamikaze pilots and then say goodbye to them, knowing that they will more than likely die? We talked about Hana and the pilot—how they felt at the beginning of the book versus the end— as well as the choices that surprised us and whether we would do the same. This was an emotional read and the pace moves well with the story."
Bibliobibuli: “Our members enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY, and our chat with author Sherri Smith was especially enjoyable. The novel is a fictionalized account of young kamikaze pilots and the teen-aged girls who provided platonic camaraderie and emotional support to them during World War II. Smith employs lyrical prose to introduce the reader to war-torn Japan and the youth culture that rallied around Emperor Hirohito. We appreciated learning more about the Japanese perspective on World War II. Hana’s disparaging remarks about Americans made us realize that we had never heard from the youth of Japan about the events of the war."
HAH Reading Club: We really enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY and its different perspectives on World War II We discussed how the novel reminded us of the current situation with the Ukrainian and Russian war. The author talked about remembering so it doesn’t happen again, and we discussed how emotional we felt about the abuse, propaganda, and conditioning that happened to prepare the civilians and boys for the war.
We compared how the reading of trauma and the emotional impact, ranges based on the age of the reader. We discussed the comparison of how being ready for death in a moment you can’t control, such as a reaction to an air raid, and the premeditated preparation of the pilots to body-crash was handled and how the author gave us both views. We also found how the invasion was perceived after all the preparations made to fight to the death as the expectation from the government. We recommend this novel to clubs looking for an emotional experience with a dive into other cultures."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Angry Book Club, Norwich, Connecticut; Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey, Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Thrillers By The Book Club, Dallas/ Fort Worth
STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE by Lisa Gardner (Grand Central, 3/24) An expert at finding the missing persons that the rest of the world has forgotten. Still, even she couldn’t have anticipated this latest request—to locate the long-lost sister of a female serial killer facing execution in three weeks.
Book Club Girls of Sparta: We love suspenseful thrillers, and STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE was a great introduction to this new to most of us author. The most intriguing aspect of the story was how many characters risked their safety with immediate medical, transport, and communication issues to work on an island resort project. Additionally, many readers noted Kaylee's remarkable ability to manipulate those around her. The feedback from our members was positive. The vivid descriptions of the island made a few readers feel as though they were actually living there. Many of us finished the book in just a few days and found it to be the perfect escape-read —perfect for the beach. We agreed that suspending disbelief was necessary to fully enjoy the story. The cover was beautiful, and we were thrilled to hold a finished copy in our hands."
Menu: "We suggest crab cake appetizers, spicy spaghetti bolognese, and a deep rich red wine to give a nod to the events in the book and the famous poke bowl."
Junior League of Kalamazoo: We enjoyed this one! It is the third book in a series, and only one member had read the previous books, but we didn’t think that hindered the experience. We fell down a Google hole during our discussion when we decided to look up coconut crabs and found an image of one stretched across a trash can. It made the scenes where the crabs were present all the more terrifying. We also talked a lot about how this series is about finding missing people, but in this book, Frankie is basically told exactly where to find the person, and when they’ll be there. She’s instructed to stay undercover and not to draw attention to her mission- and once she lands on the atoll, she basically goes around telling everyone she meets exactly why she’s there and asking suspicious questions. Frankie has a moral code for herself, and she breaks her own code by helping a criminal, and then basically everything falls apart. We liked the setting and found many supporting characters were our favorites. We agreed that Frankie isn’t the most likable character, but we felt that this was likely the author's intent based on some of the flashback scenes that we get. Recommended for those who enjoy female-driven thrillers and missing persons.”
Menu: Spaghetti (without laxatives), pigs in a blanket, and chocolate brownies.
Thrillers By The Book: “Members found the book surprising, many mentioning that they did not see many plot twists coming. Overall, most members enjoyed the book, and a few members even purchased the first books. We discussed female serial killers; what would members do if married to a billionaire; living on a remote island .”
Angry Book Club: “We enjoyed this book and felt like it was a perfect fit. We loved the setting on the island and were intrigued by all the different characters- you never really knew who you could trust. We really enjoyed the scarier thriller aspects of this. We spent a long time discussing the MC, Frankie. We felt like we didn’t have a lot of information about her other than the same details that hadn’t progressed much from book 1 in the series. We felt like the book repeated itself a lot from other books as well. We realized that approaching the book more like a podcast with a narrator made us enjoy the story more. We met virtually and all brought our glasses of wine to enjoy! Recommended for those who scary island thrillers with coconut crabs!
Reading Between the Wines: “The propulsive plot kept us going!”We love thrillers so this was a great match for our book club. The novel promoted much discussion about generational trauma, the lack of attention given to missing girls of Hawaiian descent, and the itinerant lifestyle of Frankie Elkin, among other topics. We recommend to those who enjoy fast-paced thrillers and strong female characters.”
Menu: “Poké bowls from a local restaurant, The Poké Bar in honor of the book’s setting. We also served pineapple and coconut macarons."
The Grim Readers, Eastford, Connecticut; Boy's Book Club, San Jose, California; Hamilton High School Staff Book Club, Hamilton, Michigan; Wendy’s Book Club, Malibu, California; OverReaders Anonymous, Cumming, Georgia; Kings Chapel Book Club, Arrington Tennessee
A CALAMITY OF SOULS by David Baldacci (Grand Central, 4/24)
A mystery set in southern Virginia in 1968 about a racially-charged murder case.
Grim Readers: "Every member loved A CALAMITY OF SOULS!The serious Baldacci fans in the group were excited to get early copies of his newest book There was much to discuss, especially in dissecting the differences between civil rights and racism in the 60s and now. Baldacci nailed the racist vibe of small-town 1968. Violence, hypocrisy, and injustice are forefront, but so is kindness. The relationships between the white male lawyer (Jack) and the Black female lawyer (Desiree) show a powerhouse team despite color and cultural differences. Also, we questioned whether the case would have gone so well if it was just one or the other lawyer handling it, as opposed to both of them. This was my first Baldacci book and I'm now a fan. It was never boring, and I flew through the thick book in two days. I see what the fuss is about."
Boy's Book Club of San Jose: “The captivating plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting provided ample fodder for discussion, and we debated the novel's themes long into the evening." - “The novel introduces readers to retired detective John Miller, whose peaceful retirement is shattered by a series of macabre murders. Miller is a compelling protagonist, his internal struggles and haunted past adding depth to the story. As middle-aged men, we found his journey of redemption and self-discovery particularly resonant, and we appreciated Baldacci's nuanced portrayal of his character. Baldacci's wove together elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. The pacing was brisk, with each twist and turn left us eager to learn the truth behind the town's dark secrets and reminded us of how much we appreciate a good mystery.”
“Hamilton Michigan) High School Staff: "A phenomenal match! A CALAMITY OF SOULS was a perfect choice for our group of educators, including many history and literature teachers. This was the first reading selection members unanimously gave a book a 5-star review. Everyone loved the novel. We noted the allusions to To Kill a Mockingbird with comments such as, ‘it felt like a modern-day twist to the book.’ The story evoked strong reactions and personal connections were shared. Much of the discussion centered on race. It sparked conversations about how far our country has come and we still have to go. This is a powerful book for all people to read.
Wendy’s Book Club: “We grew up in the 1960s and 70s but were still young during the time the book took place. Most of us are from the South, and we found it shocking to read the descriptions of unfairness and cruelty” .
“This was a great match for us as we enjoy thrillers. Our most lively discussion topics were about the treatment of Blacks during this time. We found the treatment of Blacks abhorrent—It was fine for them to serve their White bosses but not use the facilities in the homes where they worked all day. Also, how the racial divide caused by Jim Crow laws continued, despite them being overturned, and the lengths the opposition went to during the trial to set up Jerome Washington. We all enjoyed the book and were saddened by the story. The ending was completely unexpected. We recommend to those who enjoy courtroom dramas and historical fiction.”
Menu: "Pot roast (mentioned in the book) with all the fixings, biscuits, and bundt cake for dessert."
OverReaders Anonymous: A CALAMITY OF SOULS was a great match for our book club and a timely read. Everyone enjoyed the book. A timely read as we continue to face racism and racially motivated crimes in our country We appreciated looking at this period through the author’s eyes and research. We discussed our perspective on racism as we experienced growing up in different parts of the country. We thought the first chapter was powerful as Jerome was arrested and this scene immediately connected history to the present and helped initiate our discussion. We discussed how people are resistant to change how it is hard to take a stand for what is right, and the barriers that stand in the way of social justice. We discussed the most compelling character in the book, Hilda Lee, and her transformation—she changed significantly when she moved and her relocation altered her values and behaviors. Recommended for those who enjoy well-developed characters, good storytelling, courtroom dramas, and historical fiction set in the late 1960s."
King's Chapel “Our book club found A CALAMITY OF SOULS, set in Virginia in the late 1960s, to be an excellent match. We enjoy historical fiction and are located in the South, which made the book's themes particularly resonant. Our members come from diverse backgrounds, and this sparked rich discussion about racial tensions in the South, both during the 60s and up to the present day. One member, originally from the North, learned a great deal about the Southern experience. We noted many similarities to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and John Grisham’s A Time to Kill.
The author’s note highlights the personal journey and extensive research that went into the book, which was evident in the detailed narrative. Our discussions touched on challenging topics such as racism, women’s rights, classism, and the progress made and yet to be achieved in these areas. We highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction set in the Jim Crow era South.”
Menu: "Southern food—fried chicken, coleslaw, cucumber salad, banana bread, buffalo chicken dip, various desserts."
TBR Book Club, Charlotte, North Carolina; Chapter by Chapter, Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri
THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS by Tracey Garvis Graves (St. Martins Press, 3/24)
A novel about two lost souls finding the unexpected courage to love again.
Chapter by Chapter: “THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS was a good match, and resulted in much discussion! Everyone liked the book's premise: two broken-hearted souls seeking solace outdoors while geocaching. While no members have geocached, several were interested in trying it. We talked about how trauma and PTS can cloud one’s judgment, affect their ability to make rational decisions, communicate with others, and affect their ability to develop healthy relationships. A few members have fostered/adopted children and could relate to Wren’s strong desire to form a connection with Birdie’s half-siblings.
One member raved about the author's novels ON THE ISLAND and A GIRL HE USED TO KNOW, and we have added these selections to our ‘want to read’ list! We were divided on how the plot played out, which led to a great discussion! A light and easy perfectly paced book with well-developed characters.“
Menu: "Skyline Chili—two, three, or four ways! We also had sausage and mushroom pizza (the member who brought it refused to order ham and pineapple on half. As a nod to the multiple breakfast scenes, the dessert was croissant bread pudding topped with maple syrup."
Happy Bookers: “We admired Wren’s resilience and fortitude in putting forth, and staying with, what was best for her and her life, having learned from her past heartaches. Her bravery and strength in forging forward amidst her adversities were hailed as great attributes- could we have done the same in her shoes was a point of discussion. Marshall’s gentleness and understanding while dealing with his own issues and sorrows won us over repeatedly. There is depth to this story and the choices opened up much to discuss. We were familiar with geocaching but did not know much about it. A member provided a cache with the motorcycle that was key in the story. The same member and her family hiked frequently and provided pictures of Crater Lake and many things that were staples within the trail life portrayed in this story. We were rooting for Wren and Marshall. It was heartening to us to see the good in Marshall. THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS reigns high among our top reads for the relationship that unfolds. Recommended for those who enjoy a romantic venture with depth and with a setting and premise to learn much from. A member’s cozy log home by the fireplace was the perfect place to discuss the hiking adventures of these two who tried their hand at geocaching in beautiful areas of the United States."
Menu: “Pizza played a role within the romance—our hostess served pizza and a delicious salad.”
TBR Book Club: “We had a great discussion, including what we would have felt in Wren's circumstance, and when/if we would have done things following her timeline, such as sharing with Marshall about being pregnant or waiting like she did, or visiting her ex’s widow to establish that relationship especially so early. Members held varying perspectives, making the discussion engaging. The read was swift and straightforward, yet it possessed depth."
Lit Ladies, Melbourne, Florida; Tequila Mockingbird, Massapequa Park, New York; Literary Lounge, Clovis, California; Spines & Wines, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
BYE, BABY by Carola T. Lovering (St. Martins Press, 3/24)
A novel about female friendship, a missing baby, and the toxic, secret history between two women.
Thrillers by the Book Club: “Our book club reads thrillers, and, recently delved into BYE, BABY, an engaging read, perfect for our interests. We were hooked by the first chapter involving the main character and a baby. the discussions within our group were rich and varied. Part of our conversation centered on friendship, particularly the complexities of long-standing relationships from childhood. We explored how friendships evolve, sometimes leading to a natural drift apart, yet a lingering sense of care remains. The book led us to reflect on our experiences with seemingly one-sided friendships and how we've navigated them. Billie's intense fixation on Cassie initially struck us as excessive, but as the story unfolded and revealed her past traumas, we understood her motivations better. Our discussions also touched on how these traumas influenced Billie's determination to sustain her friendship with Cassie, despite the latter's manipulative and self-centered nature. Members were eager to recommend the book to others, especially those who enjoy themes including complicated friendships, the use of dual perspectives, and timelines."
Literary Lounge: “So thankful for the opportunity to read BYE, BABY We really enjoyed it, and couldn’t put it down! A perfect match for our book club! We all enjoyed this story of a toxic friendship, the influencer culture, and how it can change people. We appreciated the story's timeline and how it went back and forth between the origin of Cassie and Billie’s friendship to their current status as friends We discussed how ridiculous people can get with influencers and that whole culture. We recommend to those who enjoy books about toxic friendships.”
Spines & Wines: “The short chapters including the dual points of view and timelines, kept us intrigued as the story unravels their friendship throughout the years. The author perfectly depicts events that pulled their friendship apart and revealed the deepest secrets that bonded Cassie and Billie together. We all liked and hated Billie and Cassie at different points throughout the novel. The most interesting topics were the scenario questions that the book prompted. For example, the role of social media, materialism, Grant’s view of his wife’s business, and defining a healthy friendship! We wanted more details to unravel juicier minor storylines. Recommended for those who enjoy stories about toxic friendships, alternating timelines, and suspense novels!"
Lit Ladies Read: "Alternating points of view made this a page-turner. We also loved that social media is a huge part of the story We all enjoyed this easy read that was a thought-provoking look at friendship and motherhood. This book was character-driven, and we had a lengthy discussion about Billie and Cassie. We discussed our initial thoughts of each character and how these thoughts changed as we learned their stories. We agreed that we didn’t like Cassie in the beginning and our dislike of Cassie only grew over time. While with Billie, we grew to like her more as the story progressed. Even though Billie did something terrible, we felt for her and did not want to see her get caught or get in trouble. We appreciated how the ending wrapped up the story We recommend to those who enjoy dramas about friendship."
Sisterhood Book Club, Macon, Georgia; Beth El Synagogue Book Club, Omaha Nebraska; Newly Revisioned Bookclub, St. Albans, Vermont; Key Women Educators, Villages, Florida; Teachers Who Read, Columbus, Ohio
ADAM UNREHEARSED by Don Futterman (Post Hill Press, 11/23)
A coming-of-age comedy set in New York in 1970— a story of friendship, betrayal, life, death, and acting,
Beth El Synagogue: “A Perfect match! We were all impressed by the writing style and content, especially for a debut novel Truly a 5Many of our members grew up in the NYC area and were very family with locations, schools mentioned, and curriculum! We could all relate to the 1970 time frame and recall the events highlighted in the narrative.
The highlight of our discussion was connecting with the author, Don Futterman, by Zoom. He graciously spoke for a long time about the background and content of the book and answered our questions, reminisced about growing up in 1970's NYC and the freedom children experienced then. We discussed his friends, family, synagogue how he decided to move to Israel, and his thoughts on the current situation. It was a fantastic opportunity to read and meet the author. Recommended for those who enjoy a coming of age story and learning about Jewish life in NYC 1970s”
Menu: In honor of Adam's Bar Mitzvah, we served a dessert buffet.
Newly Revisioned: “ADAM UNREHEARSED was a great match for our book club, and provided fodder for great discussion. Members felt the issues rang true for the community and enjoyed exploring them alongside the main character. We all loved that Adam became so immersed in the theater, and appreciated the power it had to help him find his own way, make new friends, and explore his confusing world through a piece of literature. The scenes from DAWN were so vividly described that we could feel the scene unfolding before our very eyes. We also agreed that the development of Adam's character was spot-on. We REALLY liked him— such a big heart!" Recommended for those who enjoy books about young adults with a social message.”
Sisterhood: “We delved into Adam's emotional journey, particularly focusing on his feelings of betrayal when his friends ostracized and bullied him, especially after his attempt to steal comic books resulted in getting caught on his first foray into wrongdoing. We also explored social shifts, such as the changing seating plans for his bar mitzvah, and the ebb and flow of friendships, with old ones dissolving and new ones forming. Through trials, Adam emerged with increased self-esteem and eventually reconciled with his friends, despite the initial confusion and hurt caused by their unexpected hostility.”
Teachers Who Read: “We liked Adam and the 1970s time period. Education was very different at that time and as teachers, we like to compare and contrast! None of us participated in theater growing up so that was fun to read about, along with the educational aspect. We discussed What schools looked like in the '70s and how different it is from the world without cell phones and technology. We all liked it and had many scenes stayed with us. This book has many discussion points as Adam matures in the coming-of-age story so it's perfect for book club! Recommended for those who enjoy books that lead to much discussion and have a main character you are rooting for!”
Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas, and Circle of Readers Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
HENDERSON HOUSE by Caren Simpson McVicker
A boardinghouse tale of sisters, secrets, and later-in-life romance (8/1/23, Inkshares)
Carrollton Book Buddies: "We unanimously loved HENDERSON HOUSE and are anxiously awaiting the sequel!" Our club especially enjoyed the storytelling Caren weaves into the plot and the suspense of family secrets and sister loyalty. One of the threads in the novel is women in the workplace in the early 1940s. We discussed jobs women from past generations have held, from millinery shops in south Texas to restaurants in Germany! We shared our versions of ‘self-talk,’ kitchen ladies from church, the supporting roles of the ‘menfolk’ and their impact on the story, and sister relationships.
Henderson House is a relaxing respite from the busy world we live in. The novel is a flashback to 1940s Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and the simpler life of Wednesday night church suppers, Saturdays at the local cinema, and Sunday walks in the park after church. Based on family history and stories, Caren’s main character, Mildred Henderson, turns her grand home into a boarding house after the unexpected death of her husband. Mrs. H. and her beagle, Louie, captivate readers as she uses her special gifts— sensing houses and seeing a person’s color and an interview checklist to choose her tenants. Frank Davis, a newly hired petroleum engineer at Philips Petroleum, checks all the boxes, changing the lives of the other boarders, the Blackwell family. In a few weeks, readers fall in love with Mrs. H.’s wisdom and Frank’s mild-mannered, genuine interest in the family, but most importantly his attraction to spinster Bessie, and where their friendship might lead. Dinners around the table with boarders recounting the day’s activities, unique recipes shared, and even cooking lessons make food and conversation tantalizing.
We recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction set in mid-20th century America."
Menu: "From the author’s HENDERSON HOUSE Recipe Collection: Appetizers—The Oklahoma Club Special, Edna’s Award-Winning Deviled Eggs, and Corn & Bean Salad with lime dressing."
Main course salads—Waldorf, Cucumber & Tomato, and Chicken
Dessert— Mrs. H’s White Cake Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting. The ‘take-away’ gift—a Boarder Interview Kit: a teapot filled with a stack of homemade almond shortbread cookies and lemon tea."
Circle of Readers: “While we rarely agree on the merits of a book, everyone in the group enjoyed the novel—its characters, family stories, and the Oklahoma setting of HENDERSON HOUSE! We found the family stories engaging, but HENDERSON HOUSE also addresses some tough topics: sexual harassment, women in the workplace, unwed pregnancy, family dynamics, and prejudice against the Cherokees. We also enjoyed discussing the characters themselves and what motivates them., and the opportunity to meet with the author on Zoom, Recommended for those who enjoy family stories, a bit of magic, and charming characters. Thank you for such great opportunities to meet authors and read good books."
Menu: "Everyone enjoyed the tasty Knobby Apple Cake from the author’s website."
Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey; Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Blu Stocking Lit Society, West Allis Wisconsin
ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL by Susan Meissner (Berkley Pub, 2023)
A novel about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter and the terrible injustice that tears them apart.
Blu Stockings Lit Society: “ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL had difficult topics to read about, but the novel provided a deep foundation for discussion.”We were not aware of eugenics in this country continuing into the 1970s. This book was well-researched and provided enough information that you could look further into our country’s history in pursuing and maintaining policies on forced sterilization. The themes of power/weakness, strength, and compliance versus complacency were a focus for our group. We discussed complacency as a weakness of character resulting in compliant behavior—if you don’t speak or act out you could be considered in support. Drawing from a historical perspective at this time in history we are all very complacent and history could easily be repeated. Additional topics of discussion included eugenics today and how decisions are being made regarding genetic technology, gene editing and embryo engineering. Several members in work in health care which also led to talk about inequality in access and information and how that impacts the choices available to individuals. We discussed how many events have occurred over time that one may not be aware of. One of the great benefits of reading is continuing learning for life. We recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction with strong historical components that lead to a robust discussion.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta: “We enjoyed our discussion about this thought-provoking and emotional book.” - We are taken on a journey of family, motherhood, and a fight to keep a child that faces unbearable challenges during this time in history, shifting between California in 1938 at a family-owned vineyard and Europe in 1947.
We enjoy historical fiction when we learn history that none of us were aware of. None of us knew what synesthesia was, and we had heard of eugenics because we read other books that explored this subject. For many, it was difficult to read because of the portrayal of suffering during the war and when people just didn't accept others who were different.
We discussed the options for at women and young girls at this time in history and the ability to make their own choices. That there was so much evil and so few tried to help and do what was right impacted us. We felt the main thread of the book was about family and how the deep desire to find a feeling of home, love, and safety is universal. Everyone felt they learned a lot and was interested in other titles by Susan Meissner."
Menu: "California wine and rich desserts you would find in Vienna. We met at Sparta Classic Diner for dinner and decadent desserts."
Literary Lovelies: ”We all loved ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL. Our book club loves historical fiction and we all enjoyed the multiple storylines."- This story was particularly heartbreaking, especially for the mothers in our group. We have met monthly for over 3 years and this was our first repeat author! We love Susan Meissner and this was our favorite GalleyMatch yet.
We had a good discussion regarding the period, if people would want another mouth to feed coming out of the Great Depression. We also discussed the family dynamics. It was eye-opening that this happened. In our day of a woman’s right to choose, it was devastating to see that these women were sterilized without any say at all or even knowledge of what was happening. Although this was set against the backdrop of World War II it was a very different tale about this period. Meissner has a way of pulling the reader into the characters’ lives, leaving you thinking about them long after the book has been read. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, heavy subjects, and books that take you out of your comfort zone."
Boys Book Club, San Jose California; Between the Lines, Woolwich, New Jersey Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
GENEVA by Richard C. Armitage (Pegasus 10/23)
A bold and unpredictable debut thriller set in Switzerland's biotech world (and deceptive beauty), by acclaimed actor Richard Armitage.
Boys Book Club:“ We enjoyed GENEVA, a page-turner! We found ourselves engrossed in a discussion about the complex themes in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, global intrigue, and the chilling notion of brain implants that seem all too real. These topics and the ethical dilemmas presented in the book sparked an interesting conversation. We enjoyed the characters and the author’s vivid descriptions. Those who listened to the audio version narrated by Richard Armitage, Nicola Walker, and Jane Perry highly recommended it.
Menu: “Cheese fondue, Toblerone chocolate. Two beers: Forgotten Thoughts and Stranger than Fiction"
Reading Between the Wines: “GENEVA was a great match for our book club. We love reading mysteries and thrillers and this fast-paced thriller set in Geneva, Switzerland in the world of biotech research, had some great red herrings to keep us interested and intrigued. We discussed the biotech world and the ethics surrounding new discoveries. We also discussed the dynamics between Sarah and her husband Daniel, and how her career as a Nobel prize-winning scientist affected their relationship We enjoyed discussing GENEVA!. Lots of red herrings and a great twist kept the conversation going!"
Menu: "Chocolate fondue with fruit and cookies, cheese fondue and bread, mulled wine, and Toblerone!"
Between the Lines: "We were wowed that GENEVA is Richard’s debut novel—the last 20 minutes of the book had us on the edge of our seats!”-“We all enjoyed, this fast-paced thriller read. GENEVA dives into Alzheimer’s, family dynamics, and the biotech industry. It was a roller coaster ride. We have family members with medical illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and we’re interested in the biotech part of the story. We loved the ending and couldn’t get over how it unfolded—it was our favorite part. We recommend GENEVA to book clubs that enjoy a heart-pumping, edge-of-your-seat ending. Richard Armitage narrates the male POV, so get the audio and give your ears a true treat."
Menu: "Fondue with Swiss cheese, as book is set in Switzerland"
Romancing the Hearthstone, Rogers Arkansas; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri; Legacy Literary Ladies, The Villages, Florida
STREET CORNER DREAMS by Florence Reiss Kraut (SheWrites, 11/23)
A novel about Golda, who comes to America yearning for independence before World War I, but tosses aside her dreams of freedom and marries her widowed brother-in-law after her sister dies giving birth to their son.
Romancing the Hearthstone: “We all gave STREET CORNER DREAMS five stars!. We adored it. Most members couldn’t put it down and read it in two days. They loved the writing style and commented that the pacing was great for historical fiction— a page-turner. This was a wonderful story told from the perspective of an immigrant. The novel made us feel so grateful for what we have. The discussion centered on how weak Ben was and how strong Goulda and Sarah were. Members were invested in this story and wanted a sequel to know what happens to Morty.”
Legacy Literary Ladies: “Most members enjoyed STREET CORNER DREAMS from the onset, but ended up loving the novel. As the characters developed, the story was very believable, and I hated to see it end, with engaging twists and turns. It is an emotionally charged story that reads easily and is well crafted. A vivid portrayal of the immigrant experience with believable, vivid. characters and an engaging story that we all felt a connection to.
Menu: Potato latkes
Happy Bookers: "STREET CORNER DREAMS was full of historical events, family drama with struggles, perseverance, and romance. The surprises and twists in various storylines kept our discussion going!"-The characters will long live in our reading memories: Golda, Ben, Morty, Anna, Sylvia, Surah, and Esther. The difficulties and struggles of these immigrants as they faced the events of the Great Depression, the Spanish Flu, and World War 1 provide an influx of social history surrounding their lives. It was intriguing to read the family mysteries surrounding those characters, who are working toward their dreams, as they work through their difficulties and challenges. Which loves will prevail amidst the pressures of war, the gangs, and economic factors of the day as they work to make their way in their new land?
We didn’t know much about the gangs of New York. Families and businesses faced many obstacles and were targeted by gang threats of paying protection fees to survive. A main discussion topic was comparing our lives and advantages to the hardships of our nation's newcomers. We wondered if we could withstand the modes of travel, lack of communication and job opportunities, and health crises with limited care with the same fortitude."
Menu: "Anna’s uncle Tony’s deli-inspired bread, salami, and Swiss cheese. We meet on the opening night of the Osage View restaurant overlooking beautiful rolling hills that many immigrants years ago came upon in settling in our county.
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Lit Happens, California, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Missouri
THE FARMER'S WIFE by Helen Rebanks (Harper Horizon, 9/23)
An honest portrait of rural life and an authentic exploration of both the hard work and reward of keeping a home and raising a family.
Ranch Readers: We loved this memoir and felt it was rare in that it was raw and practical. It made us remember our own trials and tribulations of courtship, career choice, having babies, and the hard work of being a mother and supportive wife. Although Helen experienced many changes in lifestyle she ultimately realized being a wife and mother were the most important aspects of her life and those choices made her the happiest. We enjoyed the recipes she so effortlessly executed, and we felt almost like a family member, getting to know the various individuals she wrote about so intimately and from her heart. A few members spoke about the long hours of work and almost constant attention needed to maintain farm animals that farming involves, and how every member of the family has to contribute to maintaining a farm, the loneliness they often experienced by living isolated on a large farm as children, but also the joys of sharing the rebirth every spring of the farm animals' young and planting season being completed. They also remembered the joys of harvest season when other farmers would gather to help each other and then celebrate by sharing a large meal together. We all enjoyed reading about how food and cooking were important to the author and spoke about the recipes we wanted to try as we discussed the book. We also discussed how family farms contribute the most to preserving sustainable practices and how important it is to support farmers, shepherds, and ranchers. The memoir encouraged us to think about writing our own life stories and including favorite family recipes. Recommended for those who enjoy reading honest memoirs, and being a wife and mother.”
Menu: “Helen's Lentil and Tomato Soup before our discussion--it was so delicious!—and her Lemon Drizzle Cake for dessert”
The Revivals: "We enjoy cooking and this book presented a wonderful opportunity for us to share our kitchen prowess by each of us preparing one or two dishes that came together as a shared dinner; family dinners being a priority for Helen. We discussed Helen's unique art and her enjoyment of creating a comfortable family home. We agree with Helen and share her enjoyment of home-cooked meals and family mealtimes. We discussed our own comfort levels with home births and marveled at Helen's thoughtfully made choices with her second child. We cheered for Helen when she perfectly described the many hats a stay-at-home mom wears and the feelings accompanying that life path. While possibly not given enough attention in the book, Helen writes with personal insight on the food choices we all should be paying more attention to and the farmers who provide our life-sustaining food. In clear and concise few short paragraphs, Helen has enlightened us on the importance of sustainable farming systems that encourage ‘good food from good farming.’. We recommend this book to those who enjoy coming of age, home cooking, memoirs, and women's studies. "
Menu: “Members chose and recreated recipes from the book: Smoked salmon rectangles, hummus and pita chips, frittata, field mushroom soup and croutons, easy chocolate cake, and panettone(bread and butter) pudding.”
Get Woke: "A magical evening! In honor of THE FARMER’S WIFE, and farm-to-table eating, we partnered with the Pleasant Grove Pizza- where host Emily creates unique pizzas with local and seasonal food, which enriched our discussion and palate. Rebanks reflects on her life revealing family struggles and relationships, the challenges of motherhood, and the stigma of honoring ‘small domestic things’ She champions the importance of the daily grind of domesticity. Her thoughts are enhanced by sketches, and family recipes are sprinkled throughout the book.
Chapter by Chapter Book Club of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri; Words!Women!Wine! of Brookfield, Wisconsin
THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY by Katherine A. Sherbrooke (Pegasus Books, 4/23)
The story of a runway model in 1940s Hollywood who makes a split-second decision intended to protect those she loves but triggers a cascade of secrets that threatens to upend her daughter’s life decades later.
Chapter by Chapter: "THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY was a great match. We really enjoy historical fiction and several members commented that they enjoyed the glimpse behind the scenes of the fashion industry in Hollywood. We were interested in how their lifestyle judged those involved in fashion and industry. Several members had read THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO and talked about the similarities between the two books. Told from the perspective of mother/daughter protagonists in dual time periods on opposite coasts, this one kept me turning the page late into the night. I didn’t expect to be so absorbed, but I highly recommend this read!"
Menu: "As a nod to Benny’s meatballs, our potluck included meatball pizza. Our drink was Caramel Apple Cider—a nod to the Berkshires, which was referenced in the novel."
Happy Bookers: “From the fabulous cover to the title to the main character’s name, we were intrigued! When we learned that the book was inspired by the author‘s mother, it added even more interest. THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY is a story of secrets, of decisions, and the consequences of those decisions, with surprising twists and entanglements that kept us reading to learn how the mother’s choices impact her daughter’s life. Learning about Hollywood particularly the fashion, and glamour of 1940s Hollywood to 1970s Broadway was fascinating. Our conversation focused on the difficulty of life-altering decisions and their outcomes. We discussed the bonds of the chosen family and the strength of love and loyalty. An interesting point was how the story involved a coming of age for both Aster and her daughter Lissy. Choices involving Lissy’s Broadway and Noah’s music careers gave us much to talk about. And no one saw a big twist coming! I have since listened to several of the author's interviews and love her background story for this book. We look forward to reading more of her books. We recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction about Hollywood, Broadway, and family drama."
Menu: “Our versions of Benny’s homemade meatballs and soup. When served, we commented on how this was the ultimate comfort food for this story.”
Words!Women!Wine!: "We all enjoyed this book and the strong female protagonists and both timeline plots. We had a great discussion with many viewpoints. We discussed Sam and Aster's relationship. Both characters seemed to have conflicting feelings, although the relationship had some redeeming qualities One member noted that Aster had made so many fabrications about her life, it was hard to keep her secrets straight. It was as if the fabrications were woven into her background, much like her early desire to be a fashion designer. Many of us liked that Aster moved from clothing to sculpture and felt that was a well-developed plot line.
We all agreed that the love story of Fernando and Benedict/Christopher was the best in the book. We discussed it must have been for gay celebrities in the 40s & 50s and even still today. We had not heard of the term ' avender scare’ which led us into a discussion of discrimination and profits and politics. It was interesting to us that both females fixated on their one true love - even though initially they both let them go. Many of us thought it was predictable that Christopher/Benny would die after the lead-up to that scene, but we were all shocked in the end that the death had been fake. We had a lot of discussions around the death, funeral, and new stories. Suggested for clubs that enjoy a female-centered novel with a lot of relationships and secrets.
Menu: "Prosecco and shrimp cocktail (very Hollywood) and followed that with a "Tivoli dinner of caesar salad, penne & meatballs. We had an Italian Love cake for dessert! "
St. Louis Lit Book Club, Missouri; Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Angry Book Club, Norwich, Connecticut
THE INTERN by Michele Campbell, (St. Martin’s Press, 10/23)
A young Harvard law student falls under the spell of a charismatic judge in this timely and thrilling novel about class, ambition, family, and murder.
St. Louis Lit Book Club: “As fall nears the perfect book to pick up is a thriller like THE INTERN, which was interesting from the beginning. and the action was not far-fetched, which was nice for a thriller. Having two points of view allowed our book club to choose which characters we liked most and why. There were many characters to keep track of, which added layers to the discussion. Legal thrillers were new to some, and the reaction was positive to receiving a new type of book we may not have otherwise picked. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers, and multi-character stories. and fast-paced mysteries."
Angry Book Club: We enjoyed THE INTERN! We are known for being pretty critical (hence the anger) but this book got thumbs up, and we especially enjoyed the end! This book had me turning pages, especially with the switched perspectives! There was much conversation about Madison’s indecisiveness, which annoyed some members, while others thought it made her more relatable. We also discussed whether Katherine was smart enough to escape her situation without taking the steps she did. Several of us live near, or have spent time in Boston, and really enjoyed the Boston descriptions and mentions of real restaurants and places —the characters actually drink Dunkin, take the T (and get off at real stops), and live in areas of the city that make sense. This led to a great discussion about books that successfully create a sense of place and the joy of reading books about places we have lived. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers.
Melanie's Book Club: "We all loved THE INTERN. It was a great match for our book club because it's rare for us to find a book that we all enjoy and this was that book! We had an excellent discussion about the book, specifically talking about the relationships among the characters in the book- and how they affected their decision-making. Being from the Midwest, we couldn't really relate to the mob connections, but we could relate to family difficulties and making difficult decisions regarding family members We had many discussions about our families and the different relationships, troubles, and decisions. We know each other well, but it was interesting to learn more and refreshing to hear that all families have issues and work through them in different ways. Recommended for those who enjoy conflict, suspense, and deciding how far you'll go to protect your family."
The Famished for Fiction Book Club of Frisco, Texas, Flagstaff Ladies Book Club, Arizona, Boozy Books Book Club and Kaukauna Wisconsin
YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 5/23)
A YA novel about Harriet Douglass, a teenager living with her historian father on a plantation turned enslaved people's museum, who must handle her feelings of anger when an actress who purchased the plantation next door, plans to turn it into an event venue.
Famished for Fiction: “We loved this multilayered story. The magnitude of all the things affecting Harriet led to a lot of thoughtful discussion. We gave it 5/5 stars!"
The setting of the book reminded us of Whitney Plantation in South Louisiana. We discussed the struggle that exists between the beauty of the plantation homes and grounds the acknowledgment of the horrors of slavery and the pain and suffering of the enslaved people that were forced against their will to build those homes and maintain those grounds. Is it possible to be in awe of those beautiful places and yet heartbroken by the pain that surrounds them?
The importance of seeing both sides of a story and acknowledging them is what leads to improvement in our relationships with people who are different from ourselves. Harriett spent much time caring for herself as her father was unable to do more than the bare minimum after the death of her mother. Harriett's anger with outsiders' inability to see, acknowledge, and respect the purpose of a landmark such as their plantation. We recommend this book to those who enjoy thought-provoking reads that have a different perspective from the 'norm. We are a diverse group of women who enjoy thought-provoking books that enhance our discussion and this was a great fit."
Menu: Down South Kitchen and Bakery for Southern food
Boozy Books: "Thank you for the match! We might not have read YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY otherwise. When a book makes you cry it’s automatically a great book .We liked the mix of the main character's naïveté and cynicism as the book progresses. We discussed toxic parenting and our perceptions of the adults, the character’s adjustments as they navigate issues, our appreciation of having a flawed main character, and the grace given to Layla but not the white friends she grew up with. We were interested in the 17-year-old perspective—and all the current social issues and cultural references, such as TikTok. 'What’s up with teen/middle school boys and frogs' stood out as an amusement.
We recommend this novel to clubs who enjoy contemporary social issue books, or DEAR MARTIN or THE HATE YOU GIVE.”
Flagstaff Ladies: “We all enjoyed this novel, which spurred much discussion about the South (none of us grew up there), plantations, tourist rentals, grief, and growing up a person of color in today's America. We also liked the main character because Harriet is such a teenager —more than half of us are moms of girls).
We live in a tourist town, so though the housing isn't all historic, there are wealthy outsiders who have second homes here, so the way Harriet bristles at the new neighbors resonated. The way she also kind of liked the new girl and determined she was human was also something a few of us could identify with. And her anger issues...not unfamiliar! It was a great trait to give Harriet, and we talked a bit about our own struggles with rage, as well as dealing with others who have trouble controlling theirs.
We have a significant Native-American presence in our city, so that is where we see discrimination, disrespect, and racism crop up, and we had a great discussion about how as women, we also see (and experience) these micro- or upfront- aggressions more readily than our male partners. We also discussed being in a bit of a bubble because it is a small city, and there are no obvious monuments to discrimination that we would drive by all the time (on the nearby reservation, yes). The discussion about grief was also interesting -- how do you remember your loved ones? Do you remember their last days or the rest of their lives? We had a debate about Dawn and what we would have thought about our daughters dating him, or a friend dating their childhood buddy. We liked him but realized we would have been protective of Harriet because she was not very savvy about relationships. We thought the story was well-written and it was nice that it didn't end with everything neatly resolved -- that was realistic. Recommended for those who enjoy novels about young adults, the South, and that discuss racism."
Menu: "One of our group stopped at fast food on the way to book club. Shout out to Harriet's dad!"
The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Woodlands Lunch and Books, Woodlands, Texas Get Woke, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado "
CHASING THE PANTHER: Adventures and Misadventures of a Cinematic Life Carolyn Pfeiffer with Gregory Collins (Harper Horizon, 6/23)
Film producer and early Hollywood female coming-of-age memoir, set against the backdrop of Fellini's Rome, French New Wave Paris, and Swinging London.
Get Woke: "CHASING THE PANTHER reads like a novel: encounters with the rich and famous; travels to exotic cities and countries, experiences, and success as a pioneering film producer and PR representative. We called Pfeiffer the ‘female Forrest Gump’'–Readers travel on a high-speed train rocketing through Pfeiffer’s coming-of-age adventures as she explores NYC and Europe during the turbulent 1960s-‘70s amidst the significant cultural shifts and the ascendance of the film industry. Pfeiffer vividly describes the art, culture, and society of post-war Europe and New York City. Her insights into the actors and film industry were fascinating. The film industry's growth is part of a larger story involving changing attitudes and paradigm shifts of the post-war years, a time when many of us also came of age. The introduction of the birth control pill and Pfeiffer’s romantic encounters mirrored the cultural changes. Book club invitations featured film strips. members were asked to become film directors: and select highlights from the book for a film preview. We discussed the changing role of women and Pfeiffer’s lifetime goal of ‘pushing boundaries’. She felt you had to ‘leave yourself behind’ to discover uniqueness. We were drawn to her comments on women’s status: the expectation that a woman’s role was to be worthy of a man. Her reply resonated: ‘Let no one ever call me worthy.’ Pfeiffer challenged the attitudes of patriarchy, the power of men, and the sensuality of women. Her adventures allowed us to experience the paradigm shifts occurring in the world—positive and negative We agreed her talents, opportunities, and personality allowed her to take advantage of this era, and the difficulty of duplicating this experience today."
Menu: "Honoring her European adventures: Caprese skewers, olives, goat cheese & figs, Pinot Grigio."
The Revivals: “CHASING THE PANTHER covers so many points of interest that it was easy for us to chat all the way through dessert!" We took turns reading and discussing Carolyn's numerous life reflections and insights - we highlighted dozens of quotes. We marveled at Carolyn's remarkable and brave life as she fearlessly pursued her goals. It felt like two books in one: Carolyn's honest and heartfelt observations about her experiences, and a comprehensive cinematic timeline from Europe to the United States. We focused on the former, but scholars will find a valuable resource in the cinematic narrative. As Pfeiffer discussed celebrities, producers, and directors— at times this overwhelmed us, but we are not familiar with the industry and these details were a first exposure. We enjoyed Carolyn's numerous life reflections. GalleyMatch has inspired us to read books we would not have known about and/or genres we would not have selected on our own."
Menu: "Lunch overlooking the lake with multicultural appetizers: Baba ganoush with toasted pita bread (a nod to Omar Sharif); Beet and goat cheese dip with assorted fresh vegetables (Market Fresh Vegetables like one would shop for in France), Avocado chicken salad with jicama and peperoncini peppers on a bed of lettuce with French baguette (A nod to Italy) Dessert:-Lemon buttermilk ice cream with black currant jam and sugar cone."
Woodlands Lunch and Books: "A good match for It is interesting to read about lives so different from our own and we enjoyed this coming-of-age story. In a world of cinematic greats, it was fun to read some of the portrayals from Carolyn’s perspective. A member commented that reading the book made them want to see Doctor Zhivago and another mentioned that they loved Omar Sharif even more after reading the book. There was a discussion of a disturbing scene in the book and many were disappointed at the actor involved. We also enjoyed the descriptions of some of the locales throughout Europe that we knew. As Carolyn discovered herself through the many ups and downs of her early life, it was fascinating to watch her independence shine, especially with Suso d’Amico supporting her career choices. A few members were unfamiliar with numerous names and had to search online for them. Those that enjoy biographies and memoirs, especially of old Hollywood would enjoy this book."
Ranch Readers: "We recall the 1950s and '60s and thoroughly enjoyed CHASING THE PANTHER—the people, films, and occasions were familiar to us, making it a delightful read.
We found Ms. Pfeiffer's memoir exceptionally captivating and thought-provoking. It provided a glimpse into the golden era of cinema behind the scenes. We sympathized with her misfortunes and rejoiced in her successes as a self-sufficient and accomplished woman. We remember the movie era when Carolyn began her career and those she met and interacted with throughout. Although it seemed she lived a fairy tale life, Carolyn faced traumatic events she recounted with candor. Her strength and determination allowed her to overcome adversity and lead a fulfilling artistic life. Her memoir offers a glimpse into the world of fame and fortune in the film industry and a raw, honest portrayal of her struggles and triumphs.
The images added to our enjoyment—several members remembered having photos of Omar Sharif on their bedroom walls as teenagers. We discussed our recollections of the era that Carolyn described, including the films, directors, and producers she mentioned. Despite the notable progress made in women's rights, we realized many obstacles Carolyn faced still endure. The consensus was that success in the film industry depends on connections, and we were impressed by her ability to form relationships with influential figures, and that she was able to rise above her tragedies with grace and not let them deter her from living her best life. Recommended for readers who enjoy a memoir full of experiences more interesting than fiction and film history."
Menu: "Italian cookies that were a tribute to Carolyn's adventures in Italy."
Junior League Book Club of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Spectacles Book Club, Geneva, Ohio, and Hagerstown Housewives, Hagerstown, Maryland
NO TWO PERSONS by Erica Bauermeister (St. Martin's Press, 5/2/23)
A novel about the ways in which one book transforms its readers' lives.
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “Every member loved NO TWO PERSONS, the first book in a long time that we overwhelmingly agreed that we loved.T his book is about a book and the reactions and experiences of nine people who encounter it. Even those that couldn’t attend our discussion were texting with their input— the consensus—this book is a home run. We had a great discussion centered around the first line of the fictional book ‘Wandering is a gift given only to the lost,’ and the idea that no two people ever experience anything exactly the same way.
We discussed the way each character responded to the book and why we felt they were so drawn to it. We loved the little Easter Eggs of how characters were connected and agreed that the widower's story was one of our favorites/most heartbreaking. We loved how the story of each character seemed like it could be a stand-alone short story.
“We were surprised that our entire book club loved the book— we tend to be very opinionated and are almost always split on our reading selections. And that we all loved it was much more interesting, as the theme is about how people experience books differently. Just Ike the characters in the book, we had different experiences and reactions while reading it, but in the end, we were all drawn to it for many of the same reasons. Every last one of us recommends NO TWO PERSONS, especially for those who enjoy short stories, unique characters, and lively discussion."
Spectacles: "We agreed that NO TWO PERSONS was a perfect match for our group. What a thought-provoking book. Each book club member’s favorite parts, thoughts, characters, and quotes began a lively conversation about the value and power of words. The individual stories demonstrated how one book can affect readers in amazing and unexpected ways. It was interesting to read how one book connected all the characters.
We loved all of the characters and their stories, and everyone in our book club had a favorite. As teachers, many of us connected with Nola—a character we could easily relate to—and we thought William and Abigail's story was heartbreaking. We learned through Alice's story that in many ways, a writer's own life experiences affect what is written.We explored the character in each story and saw how the stories were connected. We discussed how parts of Alice's book were found in each chapter. It was interesting to see how and when we were able to put the bits and pieces together to tell Theo's story. As the chapters progressed, we were able to see the impact that the book had on each person and how they moved on. This book reminded us that no two persons interpret the same book in the same way and interpretations that we share depend on where we are at a certain time. In addition to the written stories, we loved how the cover depicted the nine readers!
We shared some of our favorite quotes for discussion, such as ‘The beauty of books—they take you places you didn't know you needed to go.’
Menu: "Foods connected to stories: Ramen noodle salad, granola bars (Nola). PBJ sliders and potato chips (Alice and Peter), banana muffins (William)"
Hagerstown Housewives: “We all enjoyed NO TWO PERSONS. Erica Bauermeister's writing was loved by all. We loved the premise that one story can affect people differently. Some of the most interesting topics were the different chapters that each individual person in my book club liked and their reasons why. We discussed the different stories that resonated. Since we are all book lovers in our book club, we connected to the story of each of the 9 persons who read about Theo. We all had a soft spot for the book and its many characters. We recommend for those who enjoy relatable stories that connect people in inspiring ways.”
Famished for Fiction, Frisco, Texas; Lit Ladies, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Between the Pages, Mt. Morris, New York
BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN by Diane Chamberlain( St. Martins Press, 2020)
A novel of chilling intrigue, a decades-old disappearance, and a woman’s quest for the truth.
Famished for Fiction: We highly recommend BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN, which will remain with us for a long time. The contrasting timelines of the 1940s and the present day, as well as the varying perspectives, made for a captivating read." -
"Chamberlain's writing was impressive, and she has now become one of our favorite authors. Our club enjoyed this intricately crafted book and appreciated the diversity of opinions from our multi-racial group. We learned about the WPA project and the historical setting of Edenton, North Carolina, which we found fascinating. During our discussions, we explored the complex relationships between characters, such as Jesse and Anna, Morgan and Oliver. We delved into the secrets that Nellie kept, and the burden of family responsibility. The ending kept us guessing, and the short chapters made it easy to follow the multiple storylines. Most members gave this novel a 5/5 rating.”
Lit Ladies: "We all enjoyed this novel and it inspired great discussion—success! We discussed the dual timelines, the connections between the protagonists, the art restoration process and research, the epilogue ending, and various aberrations/additions in the mural that Anna added. Members commented that they ‘binged it,’ ‘loved it, ‘couldn’t put it down,’ and “read 250 pages at once.' We recommend to clubs that enjoy historical thrillers and mysteries."
Between the Pages: “Thank you for this read! Hot discussion topics were the dual storyline, life in prison, the big reveal, and small-town life. We live in a small area, so that was discussed at length. We recommend for those clubs that enjoy Intertwined storylines and thrills."
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal, and Reckless Readers, Eastford, Connecticut
THE SOULMATE by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 4/23)
A thriller about marriage, betrayal, and the secrets that push us to the edge,
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal: "We loved THE SOULMATE!, a perfect match for our book club. Most agreed that this one is one of our favorite Sally Hepworth We’re huge fans of hers. Half of our book club met Sally in person during her book tour at Zibby's Bookshop— fantastic!
"We discussed the dynamics between the two couples and which one was the true soulmate. We appreciated how the author added important topics such as mental health, adoption, and addiction. The characters were intriguing and the level of suspense had us on the edge of our seats. We loved having the perspective of Amanda which gave us a great insight into details about the characters’ relationships.
We enjoyed talking about Gabe’s transformation from the beginning of the story, when we all thought he was a wonderful human being, to the end, where many details about his character are revealed. The discussion questions provided an excellent guide for our chat. We recommend THE SOULMATE to book clubs that enjoy reading suspenseful family dramas with an atmospheric setting."
Reckless Readers: Normally we discuss the book for a little while, and then jump to other topics. Not last night! There was too much to discuss after reading THE SOULMATE —everyone loved the book and the twists! This book was such a conversation starter! Sally Hepworth is so good at working mental health into her books. Hepworth nailed the portrayal of mental illness as well as codependency— the character Gabe was hard to read, because of how accurately she depicted his illness. Members wanted to break down the relationship between Pippa and Gave, and how forgiving Pippa was when most people would walk. It was an emotional conversation, with so many personal perspectives and stories.
Most members had never read a Sally Hepworth book. After last night, everyone added her books to their TBR lists. I’ve been reading her for years, and was happy to see they felt the same way about her books! Sally is an excellent storyteller. Thank you so much for the excellent #GalleyMatch.
Menu: "Soulmate bars—peanut butter & jelly—the ultimate soulmate of food! And “The Drop Martini” —a cranberry lemon drop martini, that will send you over the edge after only a few! "
THE STORIES WE TELL: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by Joanna Gaines (Harper Select . 11/8/22)
The first solo memoir from the Magnolia co-founder.
We met at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Shops at Creekside in Frisco, Texas, a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Gaines' own design style, making it the perfect location for our discussion."
Get Lit: "We’re all fans of Chip and Joanna’s and enjoyed learning more about her. Chip is so funny and Joanna always appears to be calm, so it was interesting learning about her childhood and the difficulties she faced.
Jensen Beach County Club's Womens Book Club of Florida, The Wine Club With a Book Problem of Acworth, Georgia, and Blu Stocking Literary Society of West Allis, Wisconsin
THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS by M.J. Rose (Blue Box, 2/23)
A tale of two passionate women— a famous jewelry designer who fights to protect her company and rescue the man she loves, and an auctioneer whose gifts reveal a secret that endangers her very life,
Jensen Beach County Club: “We loved the descriptions of the jewelry that Suzanne Belperron made and the majority of us had researched Suzanne's designs after reading the book.A good match for our book club. We enjoy historical fiction or books with strong women. This novel features a dual timeline— France, 1942, and New York, 1986. Suzanne is a sought-after jewelry designer in France and her longtime lover and business partner, Bernard has been arrested by the Nazis. Violine is an appraiser for an auction company in 1986 and has been approached by Paul Osgood about selling family antiques. While visiting his home, she discovers a hidden compartment in a vintage Louis Vuitton case containing WWII-era jewelry. Violine is gifted with learning the history and secrets of objects she touches, and their owners and realizes that the jewelry has a long and tragic history. Violine and Paul work together to discover the history of the case and the jewelry. We discussed how Dixie and Suzanne demonstrated this in their work for the resistance movement."
Menu: "French rose wine, croissants, olives, brie, baguettes with French butter, chocolate mousse, cheesecake, dark chocolate squares, and cappuccino."
The Wine Club With a Book Problem "THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS is a captivating and powerful story that grabs you from the first page— a good match for as we like historical fiction with strong women. We enjoy books in which we learn something new, and the story prompts us further investigate a topic—in this case, Suzanne Belperron, one of the most innovative jewelers of her time, and her jewelry designs. This intriguing story explored Suzanne Belperron's courage and those who participated in the French Resistance by helping Jewish families leave France. We liked the novel's alternating dual timelines—Paris 1942 and New York 1986—which link Suzanne and Violine, an art historian/appraiser with a supernatural gift. We noted that this is the first book we've read that involves psychometry.”
Rose has written a beautiful and descriptive story. We recommend this book to those that enjoy magical realism, suspense, and World War II fiction."
Menu: "Brie, apples, Classic French Salad (romaine, tarragon, chives, walnuts with a lemon vinaigrette, Ina Garten's Bouef Bourguignon, Mashed Potatoes, macarons. truffles."
Blu Stocking: An excellent selection for our club. This story was fascinating and the psychometry was an interesting twist. We enjoy reading about real people in history within a historical fiction context. While the characters are placed in a fictional story, there is much to take away. Several of us did some research on Suzanne Belperron and her jewelry designs. We also like the alternating timeline. robust discussion. We discussed psychometry's 'unbelievable' aspect juxtapositioned with an equally 'unbelievable' period of history as the holocaust. Also, we talked about the courage and actions of people in this world that are so brave and committed even in the face of personal danger, as well as the variety of themes—determination, strength of character, hope, faith, and love in all its incarnations, lovers (Suzanne/Bernard/Jean), friends (Suzanne & Dixie) and love of country/places (France)”
Curious Book Club, Frederick, Maryland; St. Louis Women’s Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; First Saturday Book Club, Pensacola, Florida
PRACTICE GIRL by Estelle Laure (Penguin Teen, 5/22)
A novel about a girl who rejects her label and decides for herself who she is to the world—about reputation and double standards,
Menu: We met at a diner because there was a diner in the story!
First Saturday Book Club: "We had a great discussion about PRACTICE GIRLan honest, moving YA read that should be in the hands of more teens. PRACTICE GIRL offers a strong look at what it means to participate in a relationship and the need for teens to understand the ramifications of sex and responsibility and dedication to relationships. The author writes with emotional depth—we feel everything Jo goes through, and we root for Jo to win at wrestling and life. It’s clever, charming, and poignant.
We discussed teenage behaviors: that Jo was not responsible for Sam kissing her yet she is blamed, how girls need to have girl relationships so they have support, the importance of family, taking others into consideration while establishing boundaries, and understanding the relationship before sex. Also, that growing up and having friendships change is difficult but a part of growing up. We all enjoyed this coming-of-age novel, recommended for this for groups that enjoy YA lit with emotional depth."
Happy Bookers, Linn Missouri, Lit Ladies Read Melbourne, Florida, and St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; and Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
WEYWARD by Emila Hart (St. Martin's Press, 3/23)
A novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world
Happy Bookers: “A gem of a book with resilient female characters is our favorite GalleyMatch to date.”- on a novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world, read with galleys from
“Hart has given us much to ponder in a most bewitching tale. Altha, Violet, and Kate will long stay with us for their resilience and fortitude. We agreed that witchcraft isn’t accomplished through spells, but by their connection to the world around them -— and that was most appreciated and enjoyed. We cheered at the comeuppance of the perpetrators who caused harm both physical and mental to the female characters. We discussed the plight and strength of women over the ages dealing with similar treatment. The three women characters were enthralling. The author wove the three timelines of the Weyward women’s lives together expertly. Their plight, resourcefulness, and special powers along with their ties to nature and their strength to survive amidst adversity and ill-treatment earn these characters a place in your heart. The short chapters breeze along while keeping the depth of the characters and story strong. Highly recommended by our group to fellow readers. The perfect fall read. The perfect anytime read! Cannot wait to read more from this author.”
Menu: Orton stew (chicken and rice soup) W pendant cakes(cupcakes), Witches sticks and twigs (fried tortilla strips), Cottage dip (cowboy caviar), Crow Bars (brownie bites), Insect Wings(corn chips), Graham Crackers(saltines and wheat thins), and Morgs(moon drop grapes)in a member’s backyard and woods for our book reenactments."
Lit Ladies Read:“ We loved everything about this book! This is a very compelling read that highlights the connection between women, family, and nature."
WEYWARD is a beautifully written story about the strength and resilience of three different women. The story is told in alternating timelines, in different centuries leaving the reader to wonder how these women are related. The Weyward women all face similar, yet different, hardships of violence, abuse, and expectations of society that they must overcome. The women all have a very strong connection to nature and find strength and inner peace through this connection. The alternating timelines advance the story and keep you wanting more. The descriptive language paints a clear picture, and we loved the alternating timelines—each character's story was compelling and gave a feel for what these women had to endure. We spent quite a bit of time discussing the treatment of women who were deemed ’weird’ throughout history. It is frightening to think that there was a period in history when women could be labeled witches and executed based on nothing more than conjecture and failure to conform to societal expectations. Altha's storyline, in particular really highlighted how ludicrous the idea of witchcraft really is and how scared people were of anyone who was different. Another hot topic was domestic abuse and how difficult it can be for abused women to escape their abuser. Both Kate's and Violet's stories dealt with physical and sexual abuse that required both women to find the strength to remove themselves from their situations. We recommend for those who enjoy stories about women finding their inner strength to overcome hardship.”
Menu: Witching Hour Cabernet Sauvignon and witch hat cupcakes.
St. Louis: "WEYWARD was intense, honest and deeply connected to today’s time The three timelines and main character add layers of interconnected themes and details. At first glance, these are very different women but ultimately all face similar situations. We discussed feminism and the growth of women throughout time, how the patriarchy impacts women’s abilities to make choices, and Nature vs nurture—these women all were born to be Weyward, not raised to be Weyward.
Recommended for those who enjoyed THE LOST APOTHECARY by Sarah Penner; three perspectives or time periods in stories; the power of nature; books about powerful women and the ability to be strong despite the circumstances and external environment. This book has some trigger warnings that I think all readers need to be extremely mindful of before reading (physical/verbal abuse, parental abuse, rape, pregnancy loss, abortion, jail).
Reading Between the Wines: “This book was a perfect match for our club. We all enjoyed this story of three women from the same family line at different points in time. There was so much to discuss here: our connection to the natural world, overcoming trauma, giving yourself grace, and the strength and resilience of women, feminism, women’s connection to the natural world, family legacies, and overcoming trauma We thought the author did a great job incorporating the interconnected stories of Althea, Violet, and Kate. Recommended to book clubs that enjoy women’s fiction, historical fiction with dual timelines, and a touch of magical realism.
Menu: "Food to honor the garden at Weyward cottage, including veggie crackers with garden vegetables, and basil cheese, roasted vegetable pizza, and fresh veggies with hummus. We also had blueberry scones with jam and tea and biscuits as a nod to the English settings in the book."
Longwood Ladies, Goshen, Kentucky and Colonies Book Club, Yorkville, Illinois
ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE by Noelle Salazar ( Mira,/ HTP, 11/22)
A story inspired by true events, about courageous women who risked everything for their country, family, and each other
Longwood Ladies: “ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE was a great book club book.We all loved learning about a neutral country. It was a new take on that era that we all really enjoyed! We discussed how much we learned about the World War II era, We talked a lot about and enjoyed the fact that it shined the light on a true sister act. It was the first historical fiction I’ve read that took place in the Netherlands during World War II. It was a refreshing change to hear the trials from a neutral neighbor. The characters were easy to relate to and love and my heart was wrenched by their bravery and struggles. We fell in love with the characters —they were strong, intelligent, patient women right from the start and their growth and determination were astounding. We recommend ANGELS to those who enjoy historical fiction and reading about strong women! If you enjoyed THE LILAC GIRLS, ROSE CODE, or Salazar’s first book, FLIGHT GIRLS, you will enjoy this historical fiction. We all thank you immensely!”
Colonies Book Club: "Some members were in tears throughout this beautifully told story of two young sisters who risk everything for their homeland during World War II. Our members loved this book. Some comments: A heart-wrenching read that is full of tenderness, resilience, courage, brutality, and devotion. The author did a great job of opening our eyes to the hardships of living through Nazi occupation Salazar demonstrated how strong the bonds of sisters, family, and friends are in a powerful way. This story is told from the perspective of a young teenage girl and how innocence is lost through the actions necessary to fight the evil that ripped her country apart. We were unfamiliar with the occupation of the Netherlands and learned about their struggle with starvation and freezing during the last years of the war. We couldn’t imagine girls getting involved with the resistance and what they were willing to do for their country. We all felt the guilt that Lien carried throughout her life over her little sister's death and the catalyst that was for her to join the resistance. We loved the epilogue and the closure it gave us about all of the character
Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut: CT Lit Club, Milford, ConnecticutTHE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins(St. Martin's Press, 1/23)
A gothic suspense novel set at an Italian villa with a dark history.
Literary Lovelies:" We all loved the book! This book has books within the book!”-“We discussed both storylines and if we found ourselves drawn to one story or the other. Susan loved the dual timelines and thought the Mari storyline felt like a movie! We also discussed whether we saw that Mark and Chess were together. A lot of people had thoughts on Chess! We decided she was either a Love or hate character. We also discussed if you have to like the characters to like a book. Chelsey thought the book reminded her of Rachel’s other books and talked about her distinct writing style. We loved how easy it was to read, and enjoyed the epistolary chapters that enhanced the story. We felt the book wrapped up a little quickly and we wished that Emily had stood up for herself a little more! But the Italy location was a favorite of ours as well as the slight gothic style of the Mari plot line. We recommend THE VILLA to clubs that enjoy dual timelines in beautiful settings! Thank you so much for this opportunity!"
Menu: "We meet virtually, but enjoyed some limoncello while reading the book! Emily and Chess are a little over-served on limoncello their first night in Italy."
CT Lit Book Club: This book had us in a heated discussion about what we would do if we were in the main character’s situation. We found ourselves in a coffee shop yelling about dead husbands and realized we probably should put our books on the tabble so other patrons see we are actually discussing a book!!
“We were excited to preview a Rachel Hawkins title! The majority of us have read THE WIFE UPSTAIRS and RECKLESS GIRLS, along with some of her Erin Sterling books.
We had high expectations for THE VILLA, as it is highly anticipated by the bookstagram community. Overall, we expected it to be more ‘thrilling’, but we enjoyed it and were enthralled wondering what was going to end up happening and how the two stories of what took place at the villa were going to bridge together. One member described her reading experience as the story ‘always having an air of suspicion to keep her intrigued.’ We really loved the setting of the villa in Italy and loved the throwbacks to the 70s! We recommend this book to those that enjoy drama, and books like BIG LITTLE LIES.’
Reckless Readers: "Everyone loved the book, rating it Hawkins’s best yet!"- “This is our second GalleyMatch for a Rachel Hawkins book, and we were very excited! Most members read THE VILLA in two sittings We could not wait to rant about the characters we hated, dissect the twists, and gush over the amazing setting. There was a lot of early chatter in the week before our meeting — those that finished it early could not wait to have our discussion.
The level of betrayal among friends was the biggest discussion. We loved the setting, the dual timelines, and the parallels between them. The twists were nonstop and unexpected, which kept us page-turning. The dual timelines made the story. Going from Emily & Chess presently staying at the Villa, to Mari in 1974, the reader gets the full picture of what really happened at The Villa Aestas. Both stories have parallels that are frightening. It seems that you can’t stay at the Villa without it taking someone from you. There are love triangles, friendship deceits, thrilling reveals, and murder to fit everyone’s appetite. It’s dark and atmospheric in ways we have never seen from Rachel Hawkins. She packed so many surprises into this book, but the last chapter is the biggest. There was a hot debate among the group on whether that last chapter was even necessary. How many twists are too many? We recommend if you enjoy big twisty thrillers that grip you until the end —add it to your preorder list! It's out in January, and will be on everyone’s hot list for 2023!"
Menu: “Italian lemon theme to match book: lemon basil pasta salad, lemon ricotta hot cheese dip, limoncello cocktails.”
Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Riverside Readers, Plain City, Ohio; Amy's Book Club, Boulder Colorado
A LIGHT IN THE FOREST by Melissa Payne (Lake Union, 2022)
An emotional and suspenseful novel about the weight of secrets and the healing power of friends and family.
Riverside Readers: “We loved the Ohio setting and although Crystal was a made-up town, we have been to similar small towns and could picture the intent while we read. We appreciated the fun and quirky characters with a hint of underlying mystery in the book. don't know. We discussed the small town, the stereotypes, and the reality, not all small towns in Ohio are like that but we knew why the author picked to use the stereotypical poor/mining town in Appalachia. The timelines coordinated well together with the flashbacks. The characters of the small town were unique and we liked how they interacted with each other—they balanced the trauma. The reader's guide for this book was great. Thank you! We love being introduced to new authors and this time it helped build a new small community of readers, as this is a new book club."
We discussed which of the lovable/heroic characters we enjoyed the most and whether Vega was a hero or a victim;, the pacing of how quickly Vega developed community in Crystal, secrets and why they should be kept or told; our reactions to Vega checking Instagram and our internal screamings at her of what we wanted her to do, the town's support of Eve, and what would happen next for all of them. We recommend A LIGHT IN THE FOREST to book clubs that enjoy complicated relationships and a multi-decade mystery to unravel." Melanie’s Book Club:" We loved the opportunity to preview A LIGHT IN THE FOREST. We are reading another Melissa Payne book this month, as a result! Everyone had positive comments and the book made for great conversation. One member who is stingy with book ratings gave our selection 5 stars. This is a thoughtful, well-written book that discusses real-life issues with great character development. A main discussion point was the different social issues addressed in the book and that the author didn't 'preach' about them. Our group has many teachers and nurses in it and this made an impact on us, especially since we see these issues in the lives of our students and patients. We appreciated the character development and that through the different points of view, we were able to put pieces of the puzzle together before Vega did, yet it didn’t take away from the mystery. This book is a must-read! We look forward to seeing if her other books have a similar writing style and theme."
Madame Woods Book Club of Wiscasset, Maine, and Book Club Girls of Sparta, New JerseyTHE WAYS WE HIDE, by Kristina McMorris (Sourcebooks, 2022)
We discuss the intricacies of the story and how relatable the main character was. McMorris thoughtfully and seamlessly transitions from a story of romance, into a detail-oriented spy novel, and keeps the reader o n the edge of their seat in anticipation of what direction the story and characters would go next. She challenges the reader to keep up with current and past storylines, all while inserting historical events, distracting the reader - they are well intertwined into the characters' lives and the book’s storylines. THE WAYS WE HIDE offers a variety of themes that would appeal to a large readership. So many beautiful moments, even in the last chapters of the book, that offer a sweet and real conclusion.”Book Club Girls of Sparta: "We enjoyed reading about a part of history we did not know of.Most of us were unaware of the Dutch involvement in the resistance or hadn't heard of this chapter of history where women recruited into the resistance worked on inventing escape aids that were hidden in things like games, and the hiding of clues and maps in ordinary objects was interesting to learn about. The resounding takeaway was the fact that so many people risked everything to help the resistance, to help other humans stay safe. Many questioned whether they would be as brave, especially being a woman. We found the most connecting part of the story was Fennas; bravery, and fearlessness even though she had deep trauma from the fire. We recommend THE WAYS WE HIDE to groups interested in historical fiction about new pieces of World War III history and strong female protagonists."Menu: Tea and speculoos cookies.
Brunch & Books Club, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Literary Fires Everywhere, Cortland Manor, New YorkTHE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center, (St. Martin's Press, 7/22)
A romantic and humorous romance about a bodyguard, and the movie star she's hired to protect, as they work to keep things professional under crazy circumstances
Brunch & Books: “We discussed the main character’s growth. Everyone enjoyed the love story, but seeing how the character grew into herself from start to finish was what really stood out. She gained confidence and self-respect that she didn’t have at the beginning and that really resonated with members. The discussion questions prompted a good conversation that brought to mind parts of the story we might not have discussed.
I Ioved this fun and funny book with every piece of my heart. It was my first Katherine Center novel and it felt as if I was sitting with a BFF listening to her tell e this hilarious and heartwarming story. 10/10! The Author’s Note alone is worth 5 stars. Don’t skip it! Recommended for those who enjoy funny, happy love stories! We’re so appreciative of the opportunity! “
Literary Fires Everywhere: "We all enjoyed this book. I am definitely not a regular rom-com reader— I usually find myself rolling my eyes at plots that make others swoon— but I really did love this book. It’s super cute, engaging, and the characters feel real. Even the setting popped right off the page! Definitely recommend grabbing this one!
Hannah has been hired to be a bodyguard to Jack, a Hollywood burnout who would prefer not to have a bodyguard. The pair have palpable chemistry, and I quickly found myself rooting for them. We are not huge romance readers and we’re all pleasantly surprised that it was both fluffy and deep, a un reads with a bit of drama. We all loved the touches and the author’s descriptions. (The Bush steak knives)."
Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; and Bookish Ladies, Coto de Caza, CaliforniaHESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese (St. Martin's Press, 10/4/22)
A vivid reimagining of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne, the tragic heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and a journey into the enduring legacy of New England's witchcraft trials.Get Woke: "HESTER’s message empowered us! As Laurie Lico Albanese writes, Hester Prynne is ‘a heroic woman who defies powerful men and vengeful villagers by wearing the symbol of her shame like a badge of courage.’ Heroic women! May we be them and may we raise them!”A major symbol, incorporating the books' themes, was Isobel's sewing skill and her ability to design and stitch beautiful patterns and scenes that revealed emotions and contained hidden messages.
Each member of the book club was asked to bring a bottle of wine (or another beverage of choice), containing a label that could reflect a 'hidden' message or theme of the story. Our discussion involved each of the members presenting her wine and describing the label, revealing aspects of the novel. These included PROPHECY WINES— The label’s images relate to the supernatural world, and scenes with shooting stars. Isobel struggles to accept her power, and the woman on the label exhibits power.*TEMPTATION AND EVE—Depicts Eve tempting Adam. Isobel’s community shuns her as a witch when she becomes pregnant. EVE elicited discussion on the Bible story – Isobel notes its message about untrustworthy women. GNARLY HEAD WINES—summarizes many characters' mental states: Hawthorne struggles with his family history of witch trials. Isobel struggles with her artistic creations and powers. *KALEIDOSCOPE:— Isabel’s gift enables her to create beautiful designs and messages on clothing and understand others’ emotions. WITCHING HOUR: summarized the novel’s mystery, fantasy, excitement, and passion.
Menu: A ‘community rice bowl’ is symbolic of the support and encouragement women shared in the novel. Member brought ingredients. Along with the theme of wine, dessert bars were labeled ‘Primitive Nuts’: many characters reflect this title!
We also shared a representation of each member’s name created by a woman with synesthesia.”We thought the character of 'Hathorne' -- what the author calls Hawthorne-- could have been developed a bit further, as he seemed shallow and his treatment of Isobel seemed dismissive. The social issues of the time were well highlighted by the author with a concurrent story of the Witch Trials in Salem, the plight of fleeing saves using the Underground Railroad, the mistreatment and victimization of women who had no rights, the struggles of prejudice that immigrants face in America We enjoyed the novel and feel it is going to become a best seller - it was definitely a compelling read!
Menu: Bee-shaped tea cakes and chocolate and lemon lavender scones to enjoy with tea and coffee.
Bookish Ladies: "Everyone enjoyed the book and a fresh reboot of The Scarlet Letter. The author did a wonderful retelling and we loved the characters and the story. We had a great discussion and we’re so happy to have this fun experience. We highly recommend HESTER! One member loved the book so much that she took a trip to Salem - ok it was a brilliant coincidence that she was going there!"
Menu: "Many colorful vegetables mentioned in the book."
Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas and Cork and Olive Book Club, Valrico, FloridaHALF-BLOWN ROSE by Leesa-Cross Smith (Grand Central, 2022)
A novel about a woman remaking her life after her husband’s betrayal leads to a year of travel, art, and passion in Paris.
Famished for Fiction: “We had a great time discussing HALF-BLOWN ROSE! This book really stretched us!" We discussed infidelity quite a bit: some members felt that the current problem —the marriage— needed to be resolved before embarking on another adventure—a relationship with Loup. We discussed that Vincent and Loup being independently wealthy contributed to their ability to just 'do as they pleased'. Vincent runs off to Paris; she and Loup travel by train to visit Theo, and family. Her family’s laid-back attitude when she shows up with Loup is a bit shocking; but, put into the context of their family, it made sense. SPOILER ALERT: We felt the ending left questions unanswered...maybe a sequel is in the plans? We would love to know if Vincent will return to Cillian, stay with Loup or go out on her own. We felt she was d searching for her freedom by leaving Kentucky and fleeing to Paris; but, in the end, becomes more tied down with the pregnancy. We recommend this book to those who enjoy Paris, romance, art, and secrets."Menu: We loved that the novel was set in Paris so we met at a French restaurant, Toulouse Cafe & Bar for quiche, Toulouse salad, lobster rolls, lobster risotto, and rose-themed drinks: French 77 and Rose all-day punch."
Cork and Olive: We looked forward to HALF-BLOWN ROSE, as we enjoyed Leesa’s novel THIS CLOSE TO OKAY and this did not disappoint! We enjoy her writing style—a phenomenal writer!” There was much discussion about whether Vincent should have led her husband on, whether it was wrong for her to be with Loup before a decision about her marriage, and whether she should have reached out to Tully and his mother. No one liked Cillian's actions and would have preferred Vincent to end her marriage if she was going to go be with someone else. We discussed Vincent's relationship with her children and the growing relationship with Tully, who we loved. There was concern that Vincent spent more time on Tully with her children, although we know that she loved them - she just didn't share as much of herself with them. We all want an epilogue!! We agreed that we needed to know what Vincent decided. Some hoped she kicked both Cillian and Loop to the curb, stayed in Paris, and raised the baby herself. Some thought she might have both... We loved that she decided to just do whatever she felt— eat pastries, sleep during the day, do whatever her spirit felt, while she proces
sed this punch in the gut to her life.
We enjoyed the references to food, art, books, and music. It was SO brilliant that Leesa created Vincent's Spotify playlists. We were delighted to see videos and references to characters on @anchoismusic. What a great way to bring the book to life! C'est bon bon bon! We recommend this novel to those who enjoy travel, art, and passion.”
Menu: "Our menu featured foods referenced —wonderfully varied and not all French! Cranberry Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes, Chickpea Stew, Fig Jam and Cheese with crackers, Rosemary Flatbread with Hummus and Olives, Pain au Chocolat, Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies, and of course, Champagne!
Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Literary Lovelies of Yonkers, New York Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Finer Things Book Club of Brentwood, CaliforniaTHE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK by Ellen Marie Wiseman (Kensington, 8/22)
The story about the Willowbrook State School, the Staten Island mental institution that shocked a nation when exposed in the 1970s as a dumping ground for unwanted children.
Sensational Seven: "We are fortunate to read this new novel from a favorite author! Once again, Ms. Wiseman has so eloquently written about another of our nation’s past social injustices. We compared our strong responses to the novel with other books with difficult topics. She has shed light on a piece of our history that is so important to learn about. Her take on Willowbrook through the eyes of sixteen-year-old, Sage Winters was a riveting ‘page-turner.’ When Sage discovers her twin sister, Rosemary, was alive and had been institutionalized for years at Willowbrook; she courageously heads to the school to rescue her. We discussed our emotional responses in realizing that these atrocities occurred in our lifetime and in our country Our discussion centered on how the children’s parents felt after learning the truth of events at the ‘school.’ We were sad and horrified over Willowbrook, and had for the staff and media who were crucial to its closure. We felt grateful for the advancement in care and treatment of the mentally ill and incapacitated members of our society today.”
Menu: "Our take on related food/drink: White chicken chili, representing the colorless mush that residents at Willowbrook were served daily. We also drank Tequila Sunrises, a popular cocktail in 1972, using orange juice. In the novel, the nurses mixed medication in orange juice to keep the residents sedated. No meds were used by our book club- only tequila and grenadine in the OJ!”
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “We enjoy historical fiction and mystery and this was the best of both worlds!”Some members recently toured a State Hospital in Michigan and were able to compare what they learned with Willowbrook. Ellen Marie Wiseman joined us via Zoom to answer questions about how she researched the book and where the ideas came from— including the big twist. It was especially fun because she had been at the memorial at Willowbrook the day before and was able to tell us about meeting some of the doctors and attendants who helped to blow the whistle, per se. We discussed society during this time, and why it was often recommended for parents to place children in a place like Willowbrook. We discussed how parents could see their child in that state, not say anything- many of us agreed that during that time, people deferred to 'authority’ and took the doctors at their word. Today, parents question and challenge authority, especially when it comes to doctors and teachers. We agreed this was one of the saddest stories we had heard and had time wrapping our heads around the fact that while it’s a fictional story the setting, conditions, and many of the characters were real. We also didn’t see the twist coming (Ellen said that even her editor didn’t see that one!).”
Menu: "Pancakes and bacon, a build-your-own-oatmeal bar, and orange juice —spiked with champagne instead of sedatives, as in the book."
Literary Lovelies: "This was truly a fascinating book that led to a great discussion about mental health. We couldn't believe it was based on a true story! We all loved this fascinating story, and it was heartbreaking to know it was based on a real situation. The subject matter was difficult, but we all enjoyed the historical fiction and somewhat true crime genre in this well-written and detailed novel. Wiseman graphically describes the school, where employees brutalize and demean their residents. It’s after a reporter sneaks into the facility— the journalist is Geraldo Rivera, who was instrumental in getting the facility rehabbed and shut down —that light is shed on these inhumane conditions. We discussed the women brought to this facility, mental health, and the management of those needing special care. It was terrible that they couldn’t speak up for themselves, and that no one ever checked on them. This dark and gritty story will stay with us for a long time—it was so interesting and led to a fabulous discussion. This is my first time reading this author, and I will be looking for more of her books."
Elizabeth's Book Chat, Frisco, Texas; Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey; North Wales Area Public Library; PennsylvaniaWHEN WE LET GO by Rochelle Weinstein
A novel about mothers and daughters, loss and acceptance, the lessons that come from heartbreak, and the healing it takes to embrace the joy of a second chance.Elizabeth’s Book Chat: "A wonderful match We had a very lively discussion with author Rochelle Weinstein and the book was so well received. Everyone loved it! There were different elements of the story that each of us could relate to which made it even more interesting. The author's style of writing is genuine and heartfelt. As we read the words on the page, we also were able to actually feel the emotions. What was very interesting was when members asked Rochelle where the idea for the tree came from. The response kept everyone chatting for a while. Great interaction!”
Book Club Girls Sparta: “A new author to us, and this moving story was enjoyed by all. Many could relate to the protagonist's profound level of loss and trauma and how one moment in her young life altered her future relationships with those closest to her. Trauma, grief, mother-daughter, sister, family, forgiveness, strength, and courage were all key factors that resonated with our readers. We discussed the importance of self-care and women surrounding themselves with people they can trust and open up to, and give themselves permission to move on and heal. We enjoyed the mother/ daughter theme. Read this moving novel if you are looking for a story of mothers, daughters, first love, second chances, and the powerful bond of sisters. “
Over-Readers Anonymous of Cumming, Georgia, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, Wine Club with a Book Problem, Woodstock, GeorgiaOVERKILL by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 8/22)
A crime thriller in which a conflict of conscience between a former football star and an ambitious state prosecutor swiftly intensifies into a fight for their lives.
Reckless Readers: "OVERKILL satisfied the thriller need, romance desire, and contemplative fiction we all love. It was an excellent book club book that sparked much conversation: the question of whether or not we would want to stay alive, or if we could actually pull the plug ourselves on a loved one, after being in a coma with no brain activity. The characters had moral and religious struggles with this choice, and we empathized with them. We loved the spicy romance in the book —with much discussion about how much more of it everyone wanted—as well as the direction of the story. Eban’s character sent us on another heated conversation about entitlement and the evils that wealth can add to an already evil person’s being. Sandra Brown did an excellent job of making us hate him, and kept us page-turning hoping for a better outcome. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy a little romance in their thriller, and heavy discussion points."
Menu: "Our drink—the Blue Overkill (vodka blue Curacao, and pineapple juice) was tasty, like Zach, and packed a punch like Kate. Paired with charcuterie."
Over-Readers Anonymous: “We recommend OVERKILL for those who enjoy crime fiction, suspense thrillers, and contemporary issues with a little romance thrown in! Our book club has enjoyed several Sandra Brown novels, they're entertaining and also touch on issues that lead to a deeper discussion. We discussed the ethical dilemma at the foundation of OVERKILL and delved into medical ethics, end-of-life planning, the characters, the plot, the judicial system, and the celebrity spotlight. As we all have roots in the south, we liked the Atlanta, New Orleans, and North Carolina settings. OVERKILL was action-packed and easy-to-read."
Menu: “As a BBQ menu was suggested by the author, met at a local restaurant for pulled pork!." (see Sandra Brown's recipe)
Book Club Girls: "An enjoyable read with developed characters an incredible, setting, and suspense well paced throughout the book. We discussed what we would do if faced with the same situation as Zach even though none of our members have had to face this situation. What many of us thought should have been a clear-cut choice, as we wove through the narrative we came to understand that there were so many layers to this that came into play that it wasn't as simple as we believed in the beginning. The most hated character was the villain Eban and although he is fictional, we agreed there are real people in the world like him. When you are so wealthy that you can make so many disastrous choices as a human with no consequences was highlighted. What would have happened to someone else who wasn't as wealthy? Also, we all agreed that no one really thought about Rebecca, until they were forced to, which led us to agree it was unacceptable for her to continue to be victimized in a way for so very long. But, if she was allowed to let go in the beginning, there wouldn't be as much of a plot line for the book. Loved the premise of the story, it gave lots of topics for discussion.
Menu: "We recommend bbq, pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans, and any tailgating type of foods that would be a nod to North Carolina and football."
Wine Club with a Book Problem: "OVERKILL is a good thought-provoking story. The topic of life support and having your affairs in order gave us a good discussion, and we enjoyed the setting of Atlanta since we live in the area. Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger has MPA for his ex-wife, Rebecca, who has been placed on life support after a violent assault. Zach has kept Rebecca on life support for 4 years to honor her parent's wishes. The attacker, Eban, gets an early release from prison and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. If Rebecca were to die, Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off and put Eban back in prison. We discussed that no one really thought about Rebecca. Zach was concerned about how he would be portrayed by the media, her father keeping her alive to punish Zach, and Eban boasting how his father's money got him out of prison early and now he can bet back to partying. It was unacceptable to keep Rebecca on life-support for so long.
Menu: "There are many football analogies and football references throughout the book. We put together a Tailgate Football Menu: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Balsamic Fig Infused Burger Bites, Wings, Homemade Salsa & Chips plus Guacamole, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pizza Pepper Poppers."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; CT Lit, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Kings Chapel Book Club Arrington, Tennessee,ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir (Penguin Teen, 3/22)
A contemporary novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.
Reading Between the Wines: "We all enjoyed the book and thought the author did a wonderful job of creating flawed and 'real' characters that we grew to care about."This was a great match for our club. Our discussion included immigrants' struggles to preserve their culture while trying to achieve the American Dream, the nature of generational trauma, the opioid crisis, and the role of faith in people's lives- so many things to discuss! We became invested in the characters of Noor and Sal and the traumatic events that they and their families, experienced impacted us, and provided a lot of jumping-off points for discussion. Watching their growth throughout the novel gave it a hopeful ending. We loved this book and were fully invested in these characters, and reading it was a very emotional journey. Recommended to clubs that enjoy books discussing contemporary themes, strong characters, and emotional reads.
Menu: We met at a local Indian/Pakistani restaurant to enjoy food discussed and eaten in the novel: chai tea, poori, halwa, Chicken Kashmiri, and paratha, among other dishes!
Page Ladies: “We went in expecting a contemporary story about friendship and forgiveness but what we got was so much more. Thank you, Sabaa Tahir, for sharing this devastating but absolutely beautiful story with us! This is a powerful story that affected each of us differently. It's one that will stay with us for a long time. Until The Fight Salahudin and Noor were more than friends; they were family. Now, Sal is struggling with keeping his family's motel afloat as his mother's health fails and his father loses himself to alcoholism. Meanwhile, Noor is working at her uncle's liquor store and hiding the fact that she’s applying to college so she can escape him and Juniper forever. Sal and Noor must ask themselves what friendship is worth and what it takes to defeat the monsters in their pasts and the ones in their midst. This is an emotional and moving story about friendship, forgiveness, and heartache; it’s like taking a deep dive into a pool full of emotions. Grief, betrayal and forgiveness, loss, rage— you will feel every single one and more in this book. No one from our book club was able to finish this book with dry eyes. There are so many topics that were brought up and all were not easy to discuss: death, drugs, prejudice, and physical abuse. The writing is absolutely wonderful—Sabaa Tahir is a fabulous storyteller. She has a way with words that touches each of her readers.“
Get Woke Book Club “Members arrived with books displaying colorful post-it tabs, which visually reflected the common greeting, 'there is so much to think about in this novel!A group of mothers and grandmothers very much enjoyed the novel by a young adult author and its detailed and realistic picture of the struggles that immigrants face in relocating to the United States and of the family traditions and secrets that follow the immigrants to their new home. The culture and religious traditions of Pakistan were vividly described in an engaging storyline and beautiful prose. The main plot follows the lives of two Pakistani teens, who are struggling with school, personal tragedies, and love. They are surrounded by other well-drawn characters who add depth to the story. We discussed the many plot lines and themes: diversity, forgiveness, hope, family relationships, communication, secrecy, and loss. Tahir fills the novel with music, probably an excellent technique for adolescent readers—they can easily relate to the messages and emotions through familiar songs. Noor uses songs and their lyrics to help cope with the conflicts in her life.
Members shared selfies with short reflections: “Music plays a role in helping us deal with life’s adversities.* When is a relationship worth salvaging? *Fortunately forgiveness does not have an expiration date. It waits and always hopes to be the last word. *Peeling through the complicated layers of life we can see, appreciate and begin to understand one another. * One of my favorite quotes ‘Great passions grow into monsters in the dark of the mind; but if you share them with loving friends they remain human, they can be endured.’ * Tahir effectively introduces sections with lines from Elizabeth Bishop's poem, “One Art. Many characters ‘lost’ things: family, money, businesses, dignity. A lesson we all may need is that losing isn’t always bad.: 'the art of losing’s not too hard to master’ *While keeping a secret is meant to protect someone at some point, keeping that secret might be doing more harm.”
CT Lit Book Club: "We’ve been exploring new genres, and we enjoyed ALL MY RAGE, a heartbreaking story that touches on a lot of sensitive topics which gave us plenty to discuss.ALL MY RAGE introduced us to Pakistani culture. This young adult story follows two Pakistani teens growing up in a small town in California and the grim realities of their American dream. Even through difficult times their cultural norms held them together as a family, even if not by blood, the young adult characters are each facing their own struggles—the death of a loved one, racism, alcoholism, drugs, abuse— they are navigating grief, failure, and forgiveness, and must ultimately lean on one another to make sense of the chaos they are facing. It was shocking to imagine our younger selves in situations like these and we spent time reflecting on how the kids navigated various situations. One that stood out is how Salahudin and Noor dealt with the drug bust, and how their relationship persevered. We also discussed how Salahudin came to terms with his abuse. We recommend ALL MY RAGE for clubs learning about other cultures, family drama, and historical fiction."
Kings Chapel: “Thank you for the chance to read this insightful novel. We had a fabulous discussion and I think it was good to read outside our usual genres. This is a heart-wrenching story about two teens from Pakistani families living in Juniper, California, dealing with tough circumstances, basically all by themselves. We don’t read much YA, It was out of the comfort zone for most of the ladies. but the tough topics represented in this story, such as grief, alcoholism, physical abuse, and racism, were easier to handle in the Young Adult format. Understanding why the characters made the choices they did was something we discussed quite a bit. As teens, they made decisions that were wrong but for the right reasons and it was interesting to get in the minds of these teens and try to understand why. As parents, it was hard to read at times, feeling so sad for these kids who have had such a hard life. But seeing them grow and learn from mistakes and stand up for others gave the book a nice redemption quality in the end. Recommended for groups that enjoy YA coming of age and social justice."
Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut, Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma;
Lit Ladies Read, Melbourne, Florida; Thrillers by The Book / Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas;
Thrillers by The Book / Costa Mesa, California, CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut recommend:
THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK by Jennifer Hillier (Minotaur 7/22)
Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.
Reckless Readers: An excellent match! Everyone was excited to talk about the twists. We had much to discuss with THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK. Members were messaging before we met, needing to talk about the book as they were finishing it. It was like a month-long meeting, behind the scenes! Usually, if continuous discussion is prompted, the book was a hit. To say the book was twisty is an understatement. This book was twisty than a country back road! A few of us seasoned readers predicted the big twists, but most of us were surprised and shocked. Together, we all needed to unload about the horrendous mothering and terrible situations that Joey was put in throughout her childhood. All of the women in our group are mothers, which makes the book hit us so much harder. But the book wasn’t just about sexual abuse and trauma. There is a high-profile murder that could potentially unearth secrets that need to be kept hidden. The conversation got animated when we discussed Joelle's charge with murder, and there was much discussion about the relationship between Ruby and Joey. As mothers, we found it hard to imagine how Ruby could treat Joey the way she did and put her in such horrible situations. It was heartbreaking and disturbing ."
Chilly Thrillies: “Thank you for giving our group the gift of a 5-star read, a perfect match! We were engaged from start to finish and loved how much there was to discuss. It had the thrills of a book with great character development and storyline. We discussed narcissism and how it affects relationships, specifically parent-child, how the way you are raised affects your instincts and perspective of others, fight or flight and how we would react in certain scenarios in the book, sexual abuse, and its long-term effects, age gap relationships and how people can be evil, but the 'lesser evil.’ We debated which storyline in the dual timeline was more action-packed—something hard to accomplish. Normally, we’re more interested in one storyline, We each were able to predict one of the twists, but we're stumped on the others and loved that there was more than one twist revealed. I was so impressed, I read Hillier’s JAR OF HEARTS. Recommended for those who enjoy a page-turning thriller with complex characters that you root for."
Menu: We made a Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe similar to what Paris makes towards the end of the book (she used pork instead of chicken). We were inspired by her description of how learning to cook was so special when she was going through such a dark time.
Lit Ladies Read: “We enjoyed this twisty, thriller/mystery. and had a very lively discussion! We had so much to discuss. We enjoyed the storytelling, shifting between past and present. and different points of view. This really helped to fully develop the characters. Although some predicted twists, we were still engrossed in the story and wanted to see how things played out.
“Our discussion centered around the characters and their relationships. One of our favorites was that between Jimmy and Paris and the highlight of our discussion was the relationship between Paris/Joey and Ruby. We disagreed about how adult Paris should have handled Ruby and decided that we had to agree to disagree about our feelings towards Paris, but we all agreed that this book was a hit for our group. The mystery is multi-layered, with deep characters. Many members put other books by this author on their ‘to be read’ list."
Thrillers by the Book Club, DFW: "This was our best GalleyMatch, perfect for our group and for book clubs that like dark and twisted mysteries. We all loved how the book started with a very intriguing and captivating scene Joey’s background was very interesting and her relationship with her mother was so toxic. There are a few mysteries in the story. Besides trying to find out if Paris murdered her husband, we’re also trying to work out Paris’ past, how did she go from living with an abusive, unstable mother, who is now in prison, to living a wealthy life married to a celebrity? I enjoyed Paris’ past the most I loved the intensity in the chapters that focused on Paris’ childhood and upbringing. Ruby, her mother, was such an intriguing and complex character—a terrible mother, self-centered and irresponsible, which caused Paris a lot of pain and uncertainty. While a few members predicted the twist, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this dark and suspenseful story.”
Thrillers by The Book, Costa Mesa: “This was an excellent pick for our club! The majority liked or loved this one! Some said it was one of their favorite picks of the year. Many of the members enjoyed the mystery of learning about the murderer in the end, and the alternating timelines of the female main character. There were a variety of opinions about who committed the crime.”
CT Lit Book Club: "This was the perfect match for us! We have been craving a thriller and this was on all of our anticipated release lists. We all enjoyed the book and were so excited to have a chance to preview it! We discussed how jam-packed this book was with plot points. There was much to hold your attention and give you room to try and predict what would happen. We loved how creative Hillier is— there is one scene in specific that was so creative and will leave us remembering the book forever! (hint hint, ice skates). Half of us had read another book by Hillier, and we all agreed that we want to read more Hillier titles."
The Ladies of Autumnwood, Grand Isle, New York, Mom and I Book Club of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, recommend:
THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT BY Lynda Cohen Loigman (St. Martin's Press, 9/20/22)
An intergenerational story about two women—a grandmother and granddaughter—who share the same incredible gift: the ability to identify soulmates
The Ladies of Autumnwood: We loved THE MATCHMAKER’S GIFT! Reading about Raskin’s pickles and the knish shops brought back wonderful memories of shopping at a pickle store in lower Manhattan barrels with barrels on the sidewalk and enjoying a great knish. These memories, among other topics, helped to round out our animated discussion last night. Members didn’t know much about ‘yentas’ or matchmakers and their role in creating Jewish courtship relations. We enjoyed learning about the bravery of the young girl, who beyond the fact that she was Jewish opened our eyes to the challenges of women, not unlike what some have to endure to break that glass ceiling today."
Menu: “We enjoyed Challah and red wine, and took home jars of pickles that I designed with a Raskin’s label.”
My Mom and I: “This pick was perfection. Not only did it match our love of magical realism but we agreed it’s the best book we’ve read this year. You found the perfect book for us!”
“We discussed magic, love, strong women, lovable characters, and the absolute beauty of the writing. We recommend this book to those who enjoy magical realism, foodie fiction, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. The author wrote a book that we treasure and we’re raving about it to everyone. This is a book that you feel like hugging at the end. We absolutely loved it. It’s a gem! “
Menu: "A smorgasbord! We had a blast capturing foods mentioned in the book lox and capers, cornichons— we decorated pickle jars with ‘The Pickle King’, as in the book. We had magical color-changing butterfly tea, as we wanted some magic to go with the story, and chocolate babka for dessert, like our beloved characters baked.
St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; Mom and I Book Club, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania; Pittsford Moms Book Club, Pittsford, New York, and Port Wine and Book Society Readers, Port Washington, Wisconsin recommend:
OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen (St Martins, Press, 8/30/22)
A novel about a young woman who claims her deceased mother's apartment in an island town, where she meets quirky and secretive neighbors.
St. Louis Women’s Book Club: "A great match! We felt like this was the perfect mix of themes, giving us questions and a variety of topics to discuss. Having an arc made us feel like ‘VIPs’ to the publishing process. This novel was cozy, nostalgic, and heartfelt! Allen’s characters help redefine the word ‘family’ in the most beautiful way. We discussed the definition of home and chosen family, food as a love language —and inspiration for potlucks for book club!! The setting—so realistic and magical, the imagery of the birds and the meaning. OTHER BIRDS takes you on a magical journey of youth, delicately balancing both beauty and sadness. We recommend this book to clubs that are fans of magical realism. It was fuzzy, cozy—the perfect happy read."
Menu: "We made amazing foods to match the book: cornmeal air-fried tomatoes, potato chips on Hawaiian rolls, Mac & cheese, cornbread, Palomas, and marshmallow popcorn."
My Mom and I: "Thank you for a rare opportunity to preview our favorite author’s new book! Sarah Addison Allen's first novel, GARDEN SPELLS introduced us to our favorite genre, magical realism. I saved the book for the perfect moment and then tore into it. After waiting eight years for her new book I knew I’d read it too quickly and, that’s what happened We are Italian and loved the ‘found family’ theme and 'food is love' philosophy running through the novel. We enjoyed the foodie talk, animals, ghosts, and magical elements. All characters and storylines were interesting and mysterious; sometimes beautiful, but sometimes ugly but always interesting. Several big reveals had us slack-jawed!
While OTHER BIRDS is a little sadder and darker than her previous works, the magic and the love and the beauty left the reader with a love of the characters and a belief that as the characters live beyond 'the end' of the book all turned out well for them. And you will want that because you will be left loving nearly everything about OTHER BIRDS! We recommend this to those who like magical realism and foodie fiction."
Menu: "Cornmeal marshmallow dishes based on a character: Fluffernutters (marshmallow whip and peanut butter sandwiches), tamale pie stuffed peppers, cornmeal sugar cookies, and marshmallow-flavored lip balm as a keepsake."
Pittsford Moms: "We had so much fun with OTHER BIRDS! We loved this found family story and all the special characters! The novel was a good fit for our club. We try to switch up genres/authors and most members like books with some magic realism elements. We felt it was an easy read and generally flew through the book - Thanks! kept our attention. We loved the story of found family, the characters, and their backgrounds. Books with paranormal/magic realism can be hit or miss for most members but they worked well with this story and added background and historical context for many of the characters. We had a great discussion about the twists and the characters' diverse backgrounds— we would have liked a little more depth to some characters that had very traumatic backgrounds. We recommend OTHER BIRDS to groups that enjoy a touch of magic realism and found family stories!”
Menu: "S’mores bars— the story takes place on Marsh Island and all restaurants in town have something marshmallow on their menu.”
Port Wine and Book Society: "A great match for our club! We recommend this enchanting story written from the heart, with interesting characters and subplots.”Zoey was such a delightful, open and honest young character— we all adored her. We liked how the story unfolded by hearing different characters' viewpoints in each chapter. The Dellawisps added fun and interest, some of us thought they may have stolen Charlotte's money. We loved the descriptions of Mallow Island - we live in a small tourist town in Wisconsin and really identified with that. The highlighted passages in Lizbeth’s copy of Sweet Mallow were ironic because she didn't live her life according to any of them - she was so stuck in the past it literally killed her. We enjoyed a unique story, quirky characters, and the theme of food as friendship/love."
Menu: “The detail around food was great! We made several dishes with corn or cornmeal to celebrate it: Polenta and shrimp, fresh corn salad, corn dip and corn chips, and popcorn.”
CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; KU Endowment, Lawrence, Kansas; and Girls Clubhouse, Auburn, California recommend
MIRROR GIRLS by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 2/22)
A gothic horror novel about twin sisters separated across the color line after the murder of their parents (YA historical fiction/ magical realism/fantasy).
CT Lit: “MIRROR GIRLS was a great discussion starter and the perfect book to read with a group. It took us out of our comfort zone and was eye-opening, a reminder that segregation is not so far in the past. We are transported to the South—and blatant racism —which as a group of white women living in Connecticut, we don't have experience with. We follow twin sisters Magnolia and Charlie, separated at birth—one raised as Black in New York City and one raised as white-passing in the Deep South— who learn the secret everyone has kept from them. The novel portrayed how indoctrinated people were, and in some cases ready to push racism aside when it would benefit them. We discussed how Charlie's view on life differs after growing up in the more liberal Harlem and compared it to growing up in Connecticut and traveling in different areas in the United States. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy Brit Bennett's THE VANISHING HALF.”
Page Ladies: "We all enjoyed this historical fiction with a paranormal twist that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The book offered many different topics, generating a nice discussion: the time period, the girls as individuals, their different upbringings and when they came together, the decision to separate them and not tell them about each other, and much more! A wonderful story about twin girls Charlie and Magnolia who were separated after their parents died for love across the color line and have no idea the other exists. Magnolia. raised in Georgia, is the white heiress to a cotton plantation. Charlie, raised in Harlem with her Nana, is a young Black organizer. When Charlie's grandmother falls ill, they return to Georgia. When the girls do meet Magnolia discovers her reflection has disappeared. They couldn’t be more different, but they will need each other to put the hauntings of the past to rest, break the mirrors’ deadly curse, and discover the meaning of sisterhood in a racially divided land. Seeing the girls come together to create that sisterly bond was wonderful, as is the writing, and pacing. The curse and the ghosts added an interesting twist to the story.”
Girls Clubhouse: "We all enjoyed MIRROR GIRLS, and we tried to capture the supernatural aspect of the book with mirror images.” Charlie and Magnolia, both born in the South but separated at birth, live separate lives but face the double threat of racism and ghosts. We discussed how ‘Colored Town ‘is equally foreign to both girls, despite being born there; contrasting with where they were each raised. Magnolia knows the rules of the general area, while Charlie knows how things are done —how stories are told, some traditions. The concept of the veil as the place between this world and the afterlife was also used by the author as the place between the white world and the colored world, which made this gothic story much more intriguing than if it had been singularly used. This forces both girls to examine who they are and what they are willing to live with. Members enjoy supernatural books, and the idea of ghosts to help guide the characters was appealing. We found it to be a ‘light’ supernatural read. We recommend to clubs who enjoy gothic young adult novels."
KU Endowment: "Everyone loved the book. Some members were pleasantly surprised by the way supernatural elements were combined with social commentary and realistic events. The author was able to shine a light on the atrocities of slavery and segregation without being heavy-handed and shows us a playbook for fighting back through the strong and determined sisters, Charlie and Magnolia. The past can haunt us but that doesn't mean it has to control us, and love will conquer hate. One member discussed the book with her 86-year-old mother, who shared memories of her experiences during segregation. We all felt hopeful and inspired by the book and loved the characters. We talked about what it would be like not to know your origins and what would inspire someone to fight against things they know are wrong when it could cost them everything. We recommend to those that enjoy strong characters, historical fiction, and being inspired."
The Revivals Book Club The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas; Zoom-Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma
THE CICADA TREE by Robert Gwaltney, Jr.
A novel about an 11-year-old, whisky-drinking, piano prodigy who encounters a wealthy family of supernatural beauty.
The Revivals: “Have we missed out on a genre of remarkable books or were we gifted a gem in a genre we might not have read? The debut novel THE CICADA TREE soared to the top of the 2022 best reads. We dare you not to highlight dozens of richly written sentences; our galleys are filled with colorful post-it notes. The discussion questions gave deeper insight into the themes and allegories we hadn’t considered. We agreed that the book fit into genres of southern gothic, magical realism, and coming-of-age. We explored biblical allegories: good and evil, Jesus, John the Baptist, Cain and Abel, plague, water, and fire. Once every 13 years, the cicadas emerge in tremendous numbers to mate and disrupt human life and comfort; some believe they hold our secrets. Gwaltney has a gift for bringing all together in an unforgettable book appealing to multiple genres and readers. We discussed how music and the song of the Cicadas featured prominently, and the writing allowed us to hear the music as the book’s climax approached. There are themes of coming-of-age, transformation, and rebirth. Gwaltney poetically foreshadows the storyline early as the story’s protagonist, a typical tween experiencing growing pains, insecurity, and self-recrimination sheds her childhood as a cicada does. Triumphing over evil, the novel reaches an angelic and lyrical end. There are as many ways to love this book as there are to interpret it–we dare you to read it! We all loved this novel.”
Menu: Iced Tea, Autumn Apple & Feta Salad, Watermelon Salad, Feta, Mint; Skillet Cheddar Cornbread, Southern Pecan Praline Cookies, Coffee on a garden patio.
Zoom-Chilly Thrillies: We had a great time reading and discussing THE CICADA TREE, a wonderful match that pushed us out of our comfort zone, with its unique blend of genres— historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. This was a unique story! We agreed it was unpredictable and gave much to discuss. Some words members shared to describe the writing style and story were: Gothic, descriptive, imaginative, twisted, mystical, humorous, innocent, and unpredictable! We were excited about the discussion and most finished it quickly-after the halfway point, unable to put it down.
"We discussed symbolism, class differences, racism, religion, southern culture, character motivations, and family relationships. and how the main character was looking up to a family she aspired to. We discussed our childhood oddities, raised by the mention of the character's liking the feel of pain. We enjoyed that it was told through a child's lens, while dark but the child's perspective ensured curiosity and humor even when horrifying things are happeningThe writing is creative and descriptive and made us think about things such as how you hear music in a new light. The ending was haunting and beautiful and there were many shocked reactions!
"We also discussed the movies or books we thought possibly influenced the author, including REBECCA, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and MEAN GIRLS., We are eager to read Gwaltney's next novel!"
Menu: “Iced tea was sipped!"
Famished for Fiction: “A wonderful opportunity to read a complex story with a bit of mystery and unexpected twists and turns. Our group is diverse, and open to new and different genres, and appreciated the opportunity to discover this book. We discussed the focus of music and its impact on the progression of the story. Music is a major theme throughout the piece, whether it is the music Mr. Mayfield had composed for his wife or the musical virtuosity of the Mayfield children. We explored the cicada's presence: cicadas are seasonal and burrow in the ground, so they are equivalent to all of the secrets that are buzzing around the town of Providence, connecting the Mayfields to Etta Mae and Analeise, and the link between their molting and the growing pains the main characters are experiencing.”
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Books and Brew, Allendale, Michigan; Carrollton Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas;
BluStocking Literacy Society, West Allis, Wisconsin
THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET by Sara Ackerman (Mira, 8/22)
A brilliant female code breaker and a pilot on a top-secret mission come together in this dazzling story of love and intrigue set during America’s darkest hour.
Ranch Readers: Our book club enjoyed this book as we read a non-fiction WWII book about codebreakers and many have traveled to Hawaii so both the theme and setting are familiar. The storyline was realistic and we enjoyed the dual timelines with relevance at the end of the book when the characters are planting a memorial garden on the plantation. We discussed our mother's vital roles during the war, such as working in a war plant, how women were disregarded and treated as second-class citizens, and the situations where the same treatment happens today.We discussed our Hawaiian travels: topography, lava fields, ocean conditions, and coffee plantations. Those that have visited the Mauna Kea Hotel described it. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy historical fiction and WWII stories.”
Menu: “Banana chocolate chip cake/ banana pudding topping, tropical fruit salad, Huli-huli Chicken.”
BluStocking Literacy Society: “A perfect match! We enjoy historical fiction/mystery that pulls us in and we all anticipated the discussion. We discussed the timeline and connections between the two eras, and the uncertainty that women codebreakers felt reflected by Lu as she struggles to establish herself as a journalist. Isabel walked a line between expressing her intelligence and thoughts and second-guessing herself and stepping back. It was fascinating to consider women in a secret intelligence role and the obstacles they had to overcome.”
Menu: "Wacky Cake, a classic chocolate cake born of necessity for WWII rationing.”
Carrollton Book Buddies: “A brilliant female codebreaker. An ‘unbreakable’ Japanese naval code. A pilot on a top-secret mission that could change the course of WWII. My book club loved THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET! The dual timeline novel is set in Hawaii. We enjoyed discussing the amazing roles women played in World War ll. While most of us decided we'd have been secretaries, one member thought the radar plotter sounded like a fit. We appreciated that there were those that worked as mechanics, pilots ferrying planes, medics, and of course, the codebreakers! The Dungeon where the codebreakers worked and the men in charge were a hot topic-the smoke, the drinking, the snobbery, all appalling. Just the thought of approaching the stairs and entering drew lots of remarks! We read the author's explanation of the difference between codes and ciphers and concluded the codebreakers were brilliant! We discussed survivor's guilt, the way Germans, Italians, and the Japanese were treated here in the states, and men in power and misuse of that power. We appreciated the way the threads were all tied up by the ending, though a surprise. The stunning descriptions of the Mauna Kea Hotel and the surroundings have us all wishing for a trip to Hawaii. We appreciated the brilliant, unique roles of women in war."
Menu: "We met at tropical Tommy Bahamas restaurant for a chopped salad with shrimp, coconut shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Tacos. Tropical beverages included. Cloud Coconut Martinis and Jalapeno Margaritas."
Books and Brew: "The story takes place in 1943 and 1965. It's 1943, and Isabel Cooper, who has lost her older brother in the attack on Pearl Harbor, is working as a code breaker, solving Japanese naval codes. Isabel seizes an opportunity to solve codes in Hawaii to locate her brother’s friends and learn about his life. In Hawaii, she stumbles into a life-changing mystery. In 1965, aspiring journalist Lu Freitas is traveling to the Mauna Kea Hotel for its grand opening, when she befriends a famous woman. When her new friend disappears, Lu investigates and soon uncovers a missing link to the past. We discussed women in history, World War II, the relationship between the main character to her friend and her brother's friends, her internal struggle, and women's roles during the war. I was so grateful to have received this book early for my book club! I was so immersed in the characters and their story, I couldn't put it down! Five stars!"
Reading is My Cardio, Smithfield, Rhode Island; Bookish Ladies, Coto De Caza, California; Next Chapter, Leesburg, Virginia
SIX DAYS IN ROME by Francesca Giacco (Grand Central, 5/22)
A young artist travels to Rome to heal a broken heart, where she confronts loneliness and intimacy, rage and desire in this debut novel.
Reading is My Cardio: "We adored this lyrical and atmospheric debut! It was refreshing to read a book with realistically flawed characters and where not everything gets tied up in a perfect bow. This character-driven story explores relationships in so many forms - family, romantic, and with one's self - and the writing is just beautiful. Truly a perfect book for summer, transporting us to Rome for a captivating six days. We discussed how this isn't a book with a lot of plot and yet it kept us interested throughout. We loved the writing and many of us highlighted passages that we shared and discussed, and the group also touched on whether we'd be able to travel solo as the main character did. Another subject that came up was how the narrative is almost stream of consciousness which some of our group enjoyed more than others. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy being transported to another place and appreciate character-driven books about self-discovery."
Menu: "Italian-themed cocktail party featuring charcuterie, Aperol Spritzes, and a gelato bar for dessert."
Bookish Ladies: "SIX DAYS IN ROME was beautifully written We enjoyed the food and descriptions around Rome! We loved how the book was written in terms of description and character development. It was a lighter, summer read. We felt l the character had a lot to work out but she never quite figured out what it was so there were a lot of questions left up for interpretation."
Menu: Italian rosé, homemade flatbreads with Italian pesto, mozzarella, fresh basil, aged balsamic, and roasted tomatoes.
Next Chapter: “Everyone agreed that Francesca Giacco's writing was beautiful,—and it was fun to read her book looking for food and drink that members can make and enjoy at book club! Emilia heads off on a six-day trip to Rome—it was supposed to be a romantic trip with her then-boyfriend Michael. but that’s not possible as he is married! With six days in Rome, Emilia will have time to reflect on why it wouldn’t work, why she deserves better, and time to enjoy the food and wine on her trip. We discussed what we thought happened to Michael: we had differing opinions to whether he had died or was with someone else or married. During her trip, she reflects on her relationship with her father and brother, and has lots of yummy food and drink throughout. We were happy that she met someone new and Emilia Is able to focus on herself and her art. Her six days in Rome weren’t what she had planned when she booked the trip, but sometimes better things come out of bad situations. Ah, the magic of Italy! One of our members took her book to Rome and shared photos."
Menu: “We enjoyed Aperol Spritz cocktails, a charcuterie board, tiramisu, and wine-soaked grapes”.
THE GOOD SISTER by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 2021)
A psychological thriller about the lies that bind two sisters.
Peoria Book Rack: “We agreed it was fast-paced and a quick read. The story keeps you guessing as you try to figure out the family dynamic between sisters Rose and Fern. the journals, their relationship with the mom, the twists! We also discussed Hepworth's versatility as an author. She has a solid list of backlist books that many of us are excited to check out! We recommend for book clubs that enjoy family thrillers.”
Thrillers by the Book: “Everyone loves Sally Hepworth, and this was a favorite! A likable main character and a fun story. We talked about representation in books, and the importance of character-driven books, and how her writing style is relatable and easy to read."
Novels N Latte: “Perfect for our club. We love good twisted family dynamics, and this sister story gave us a lot to discuss, including Fern's autism spectrum and which was actually the good sister.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, East Lawrence High School Book Club of Trinity, Alabama, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, and North Wales Area Library Book Club, Pennsylvania
DARK AND SHALLOW LIES by Ginny Myers Sain (Penguin Teen, 2021)
A supernatural thriller about a teen girl who disappears from her small town deep in the bayou, where magic festers beneath the surface of the swamp.
Reckless Readers: The story hooked the teens— they enjoyed the love story and the witchy aspect, and our adult readers also loved the book. We included teen daughters who wanted to join, and teachers and librarians in the group who wanted to preview it before ordering for their locations. A few of them have not read YA books, so it was a nice and unexpected change for them. We liked the Southern setting, and how the author submerged us in Bayou. From gigantic gators ( Willie Nelson) to psychic abilities, shapeshifter, and Aurora readers, this book is a full experience. The end was shocking and fit the story. We recommend this book for those that enjoy a hint of magic within a southern setting.
Menu: "Southern delights mentioned in the book: Honey’s Pralines, Willie Nelson’s Gator Piss cocktail—with Midori, lime juice, rum, sweet & sour mix, and seltzer—Cajun wings and shrimp dip."
North Wales Area Library: “Our group had one of the best discussions we can remember!”This was an excellent selection and discussion. The book brought the Louisiana bayou setting to life. One member was raised in the area and she especially thought the setting description was spot on. The group wondered why the word ‘shallow’ was included in the title: The lies did not seem shallow. We debated the killer, books were pulled out and theories shared. The hurricane preparation made for interesting reading. We discussed why an outside investigation might not have happened. All said they would read another Sain book and looked forward to the next book in the series. We hope to have our adult group discuss DARK AND SHALLOW LIES with our teen book club! Our group rates books with 1-5 stars. The lowest rating in the group was 4.5! We recommend this book to clubs who enjoy reading outside of the box.”
ELHS Book Club: “Thank you for providing yet another wonderful book for our students! We discussed the setting bayous, swamps, cypress trees, alligators, shrimp boats and houses on stilts. The author did an excellent job painting a picture for the reader. We also discussed mental illness which is woven into the plot through a couple of characters via subtle behaviors and downright craziness.
Menu: jambalaya, gumbo, and pistolette rolls.
Book Club Girls: “Don't be turned away by the YA label, this book is for all ages. It was completely off our radar as far as genre, and many readers gave it five stars, and couldn't believe it was a debut novel. One member stayed up until 5 am to finish— she just had to know the end! The writing was fantastic. We discussed the book is marketed as a YA title, however, NONE of us are near that demographic We felt the characters could be aged up to the 30s and 40' and still make sense—they were just as vital to the storyline as the plot. We felt the novel touched on mystery and supernatural themes but also the deep-rooted impact of emotional trauma that shapes us. We discussed how keeping secrets buried for so many years by everyone caused so much heartache and pain. If truths were told from the start, what would the lives of the children have been like?? A great evening with lots of thoughtful discussions and fun had by all."
Menu: Hurricane Punch, crawfish, gator bites, cajun fried catfish, and cornbread.
Lit Ladies Read Book Club of Melbourne, Florida and Thrillers by the Book of Costa Mesa, California
THE YOUNGER WIFE by Sally Hepworth, (St. Martins Press, 4/22)
A new novel of domestic suspense that delves into a tangled web of family secrets, and lies.
Lit Ladies Read: "We loved this book and had a great discussion, which centered on the theme of perceived reality. We had a great debate about whether Stephen was actually an abuser or just misunderstood. The epilogue raised more questions than provided answers. Our group had varying opinions depending on which character’s perspective we were discussing. We all enjoyed the ambiguous nature of the ending and agreed it was very clever. It was a lot of fun to discuss our own opinions and debate what we believed to be the truth. Some of our members took the book at face value, while others questioned what we had read and what we believed to be the truth.
"We liked how the story was told with alternating points of view and followed along easily when the perspective changed. The book dealt with some serious topics but was written in a very light-hearted way that made it a quick enjoyable read."
Menu: “Heather would have been proud! We met at a country club, in true Aston fashion. We had Mahi tacos and quesadillas in honor of Rachel and Darcy’s first date.”
Thrillers by the Book: "A perfect match! We’re big fans of Sally Hepworth! We loved the intriguing vibe the author created by not revealing right away who was involved in the accident from the opening scene. The story is based on many factors, dysfunctional family dynamics, abusive relationships, addiction, mental issues, and so many juicy secrets. We enjoyed Sally’s writing style and the characters she created. Sally has a way of making her characters very relatable and down to earth. We also enjoyed how she connected a piece of her real-life to one of the scenes in this book. Some of the secondary characters seemed to love Stephen but Heather and his kids suspect him of being abusive. The ending left us wondering if Stephen was in actual fact abusive. The women around him suffered a lot of 'accidents' but it’s never clear if they were really accidents or intentional. We recommend this title for book clubs that enjoy a family drama with a hint of suspense. Thank you for spoiling our book club!"
Page Ladies of Cleveland, Ohio, Bibliobibuli of San Diego, California, and HAH Reading Club of Kaukama, Wisconsin
THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY by Sherri L. Smith ((Penguin Young Readers, 2//20)
From the award-winning author of Flygirl comes this powerful WWII romance between two Japanese teens caught in the cogs of an unwinnable war.
Page Ladies: “Thank you for sharing this amazing, compelling, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking story about life in Japan during World War II. We were surprised by how much research went into it, and we are always interested in books that can teach us something. The story switches between Taro and Hana's perspectives so we see two sides of the story and what each experienced. Could we imagine being Hana, having to take care of the kamikaze pilots and then say goodbye to them, knowing that they will more than likely die? We talked about Hana and the pilot—how they felt at the beginning of the book versus the end— as well as the choices that surprised us and whether we would do the same. This was an emotional read and the pace moves well with the story."
Bibliobibuli: “Our members enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY, and our chat with author Sherri Smith was especially enjoyable. The novel is a fictionalized account of young kamikaze pilots and the teen-aged girls who provided platonic camaraderie and emotional support to them during World War II. Smith employs lyrical prose to introduce the reader to war-torn Japan and the youth culture that rallied around Emperor Hirohito. We appreciated learning more about the Japanese perspective on World War II. Hana’s disparaging remarks about Americans made us realize that we had never heard from the youth of Japan about the events of the war."
HAH Reading Club: We really enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY and its different perspectives on World War II We discussed how the novel reminded us of the current situation with the Ukrainian and Russian war. The author talked about remembering so it doesn’t happen again, and we discussed how emotional we felt about the abuse, propaganda, and conditioning that happened to prepare the civilians and boys for the war.
We compared how the reading of trauma and the emotional impact, ranges based on the age of the reader. We discussed the comparison of how being ready for death in a moment you can’t control, such as a reaction to an air raid, and the premeditated preparation of the pilots to body-crash was handled and how the author gave us both views. We also found how the invasion was perceived after all the preparations made to fight to the death as the expectation from the government. We recommend this novel to clubs looking for an emotional experience with a dive into other cultures."
Lit Ladies, Melbourne, Florida; Tequila Mockingbird, Massapequa Park, New York; Literary Lounge, Clovis, California; Spines & Wines, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
BYE, BABY by Carola T. Lovering (St. Martins Press, 3/24)
A novel about female friendship, a missing baby, and the toxic, secret history between two women.
Thrillers by the Book Club: “Our book club reads thrillers, and, recently delved into BYE, BABY, an engaging read, perfect for our interests. We were hooked by the first chapter involving the main character and a baby. the discussions within our group were rich and varied. Part of our conversation centered on friendship, particularly the complexities of long-standing relationships from childhood. We explored how friendships evolve, sometimes leading to a natural drift apart, yet a lingering sense of care remains. The book led us to reflect on our experiences with seemingly one-sided friendships and how we've navigated them. Billie's intense fixation on Cassie initially struck us as excessive, but as the story unfolded and revealed her past traumas, we understood her motivations better. Our discussions also touched on how these traumas influenced Billie's determination to sustain her friendship with Cassie, despite the latter's manipulative and self-centered nature. Members were eager to recommend the book to others, especially those who enjoy themes including complicated friendships, the use of dual perspectives, and timelines."
Literary Lounge: “So thankful for the opportunity to read BYE, BABY We really enjoyed it, and couldn’t put it down! A perfect match for our book club! We all enjoyed this story of a toxic friendship, the influencer culture, and how it can change people. We appreciated the story's timeline and how it went back and forth between the origin of Cassie and Billie’s friendship to their current status as friends We discussed how ridiculous people can get with influencers and that whole culture. We recommend to those who enjoy books about toxic friendships.”
Spines & Wines: “The short chapters including the dual points of view and timelines, kept us intrigued as the story unravels their friendship throughout the years. The author perfectly depicts events that pulled their friendship apart and revealed the deepest secrets that bonded Cassie and Billie together. We all liked and hated Billie and Cassie at different points throughout the novel. The most interesting topics were the scenario questions that the book prompted. For example, the role of social media, materialism, Grant’s view of his wife’s business, and defining a healthy friendship! We wanted more details to unravel juicier minor storylines. Recommended for those who enjoy stories about toxic friendships, alternating timelines, and suspense novels!"
Lit Ladies Read: "Alternating points of view made this a page-turner. We also loved that social media is a huge part of the story We all enjoyed this easy read that was a thought-provoking look at friendship and motherhood. This book was character-driven, and we had a lengthy discussion about Billie and Cassie. We discussed our initial thoughts of each character and how these thoughts changed as we learned their stories. We agreed that we didn’t like Cassie in the beginning and our dislike of Cassie only grew over time. While with Billie, we grew to like her more as the story progressed. Even though Billie did something terrible, we felt for her and did not want to see her get caught or get in trouble. We appreciated how the ending wrapped up the story We recommend to those who enjoy dramas about friendship."
Sisterhood Book Club, Macon, Georgia; Beth El Synagogue Book Club, Omaha Nebraska; Newly Revisioned Bookclub, St. Albans, Vermont; Key Women Educators, Villages, Florida; Teachers Who Read, Columbus, Ohio
ADAM UNREHEARSED by Don Futterman (Post Hill Press, 11/23)
A coming-of-age comedy set in New York in 1970— a story of friendship, betrayal, life, death, and acting,
Beth El Synagogue: “A Perfect match! We were all impressed by the writing style and content, especially for a debut novel Truly a 5Many of our members grew up in the NYC area and were very family with locations, schools mentioned, and curriculum! We could all relate to the 1970 time frame and recall the events highlighted in the narrative.
The highlight of our discussion was connecting with the author, Don Futterman, by Zoom. He graciously spoke for a long time about the background and content of the book and answered our questions, reminisced about growing up in 1970's NYC and the freedom children experienced then. We discussed his friends, family, synagogue how he decided to move to Israel, and his thoughts on the current situation. It was a fantastic opportunity to read and meet the author. Recommended for those who enjoy a coming of age story and learning about Jewish life in NYC 1970s”
Menu: In honor of Adam's Bar Mitzvah, we served a dessert buffet.
Newly Revisioned: “ADAM UNREHEARSED was a great match for our book club, and provided fodder for great discussion. Members felt the issues rang true for the community and enjoyed exploring them alongside the main character. We all loved that Adam became so immersed in the theater, and appreciated the power it had to help him find his own way, make new friends, and explore his confusing world through a piece of literature. The scenes from DAWN were so vividly described that we could feel the scene unfolding before our very eyes. We also agreed that the development of Adam's character was spot-on. We REALLY liked him— such a big heart!" Recommended for those who enjoy books about young adults with a social message.”
Sisterhood: “We delved into Adam's emotional journey, particularly focusing on his feelings of betrayal when his friends ostracized and bullied him, especially after his attempt to steal comic books resulted in getting caught on his first foray into wrongdoing. We also explored social shifts, such as the changing seating plans for his bar mitzvah, and the ebb and flow of friendships, with old ones dissolving and new ones forming. Through trials, Adam emerged with increased self-esteem and eventually reconciled with his friends, despite the initial confusion and hurt caused by their unexpected hostility.”
Teachers Who Read: “We liked Adam and the 1970s time period. Education was very different at that time and as teachers, we like to compare and contrast! None of us participated in theater growing up so that was fun to read about, along with the educational aspect. We discussed What schools looked like in the '70s and how different it is from the world without cell phones and technology. We all liked it and had many scenes stayed with us. This book has many discussion points as Adam matures in the coming-of-age story so it's perfect for book club! Recommended for those who enjoy books that lead to much discussion and have a main character you are rooting for!”
Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas, and Circle of Readers Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
HENDERSON HOUSE by Caren Simpson McVicker
A boardinghouse tale of sisters, secrets, and later-in-life romance (8/1/23, Inkshares)
Carrollton Book Buddies: "We unanimously loved HENDERSON HOUSE and are anxiously awaiting the sequel!" Our club especially enjoyed the storytelling Caren weaves into the plot and the suspense of family secrets and sister loyalty. One of the threads in the novel is women in the workplace in the early 1940s. We discussed jobs women from past generations have held, from millinery shops in south Texas to restaurants in Germany! We shared our versions of ‘self-talk,’ kitchen ladies from church, the supporting roles of the ‘menfolk’ and their impact on the story, and sister relationships.
Henderson House is a relaxing respite from the busy world we live in. The novel is a flashback to 1940s Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and the simpler life of Wednesday night church suppers, Saturdays at the local cinema, and Sunday walks in the park after church. Based on family history and stories, Caren’s main character, Mildred Henderson, turns her grand home into a boarding house after the unexpected death of her husband. Mrs. H. and her beagle, Louie, captivate readers as she uses her special gifts— sensing houses and seeing a person’s color and an interview checklist to choose her tenants. Frank Davis, a newly hired petroleum engineer at Philips Petroleum, checks all the boxes, changing the lives of the other boarders, the Blackwell family. In a few weeks, readers fall in love with Mrs. H.’s wisdom and Frank’s mild-mannered, genuine interest in the family, but most importantly his attraction to spinster Bessie, and where their friendship might lead. Dinners around the table with boarders recounting the day’s activities, unique recipes shared, and even cooking lessons make food and conversation tantalizing.
We recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction set in mid-20th century America."
Menu: "From the author’s HENDERSON HOUSE Recipe Collection: Appetizers—The Oklahoma Club Special, Edna’s Award-Winning Deviled Eggs, and Corn & Bean Salad with lime dressing."
Main course salads—Waldorf, Cucumber & Tomato, and Chicken
Dessert— Mrs. H’s White Cake Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting. The ‘take-away’ gift—a Boarder Interview Kit: a teapot filled with a stack of homemade almond shortbread cookies and lemon tea."
Circle of Readers: “While we rarely agree on the merits of a book, everyone in the group enjoyed the novel—its characters, family stories, and the Oklahoma setting of HENDERSON HOUSE! We found the family stories engaging, but HENDERSON HOUSE also addresses some tough topics: sexual harassment, women in the workplace, unwed pregnancy, family dynamics, and prejudice against the Cherokees. We also enjoyed discussing the characters themselves and what motivates them., and the opportunity to meet with the author on Zoom, Recommended for those who enjoy family stories, a bit of magic, and charming characters. Thank you for such great opportunities to meet authors and read good books."
Menu: "Everyone enjoyed the tasty Knobby Apple Cake from the author’s website."
Book Club Girls, Sparta, New Jersey; Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Blu Stocking Lit Society, West Allis Wisconsin
ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL by Susan Meissner (Berkley Pub, 2023)
A novel about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter and the terrible injustice that tears them apart.
Blu Stockings Lit Society: “ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL had difficult topics to read about, but the novel provided a deep foundation for discussion.”We were not aware of eugenics in this country continuing into the 1970s. This book was well-researched and provided enough information that you could look further into our country’s history in pursuing and maintaining policies on forced sterilization. The themes of power/weakness, strength, and compliance versus complacency were a focus for our group. We discussed complacency as a weakness of character resulting in compliant behavior—if you don’t speak or act out you could be considered in support. Drawing from a historical perspective at this time in history we are all very complacent and history could easily be repeated. Additional topics of discussion included eugenics today and how decisions are being made regarding genetic technology, gene editing and embryo engineering. Several members in work in health care which also led to talk about inequality in access and information and how that impacts the choices available to individuals. We discussed how many events have occurred over time that one may not be aware of. One of the great benefits of reading is continuing learning for life. We recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction with strong historical components that lead to a robust discussion.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta: “We enjoyed our discussion about this thought-provoking and emotional book.” - We are taken on a journey of family, motherhood, and a fight to keep a child that faces unbearable challenges during this time in history, shifting between California in 1938 at a family-owned vineyard and Europe in 1947.
We enjoy historical fiction when we learn history that none of us were aware of. None of us knew what synesthesia was, and we had heard of eugenics because we read other books that explored this subject. For many, it was difficult to read because of the portrayal of suffering during the war and when people just didn't accept others who were different.
We discussed the options for at women and young girls at this time in history and the ability to make their own choices. That there was so much evil and so few tried to help and do what was right impacted us. We felt the main thread of the book was about family and how the deep desire to find a feeling of home, love, and safety is universal. Everyone felt they learned a lot and was interested in other titles by Susan Meissner."
Menu: "California wine and rich desserts you would find in Vienna. We met at Sparta Classic Diner for dinner and decadent desserts."
Literary Lovelies: ”We all loved ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL. Our book club loves historical fiction and we all enjoyed the multiple storylines."- This story was particularly heartbreaking, especially for the mothers in our group. We have met monthly for over 3 years and this was our first repeat author! We love Susan Meissner and this was our favorite GalleyMatch yet.
We had a good discussion regarding the period, if people would want another mouth to feed coming out of the Great Depression. We also discussed the family dynamics. It was eye-opening that this happened. In our day of a woman’s right to choose, it was devastating to see that these women were sterilized without any say at all or even knowledge of what was happening. Although this was set against the backdrop of World War II it was a very different tale about this period. Meissner has a way of pulling the reader into the characters’ lives, leaving you thinking about them long after the book has been read. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, heavy subjects, and books that take you out of your comfort zone."
Boys Book Club, San Jose California; Between the Lines, Woolwich, New Jersey Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
GENEVA by Richard C. Armitage (Pegasus 10/23)
A bold and unpredictable debut thriller set in Switzerland's biotech world (and deceptive beauty), by acclaimed actor Richard Armitage.
Boys Book Club:“ We enjoyed GENEVA, a page-turner! We found ourselves engrossed in a discussion about the complex themes in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, global intrigue, and the chilling notion of brain implants that seem all too real. These topics and the ethical dilemmas presented in the book sparked an interesting conversation. We enjoyed the characters and the author’s vivid descriptions. Those who listened to the audio version narrated by Richard Armitage, Nicola Walker, and Jane Perry highly recommended it.
Menu: “Cheese fondue, Toblerone chocolate. Two beers: Forgotten Thoughts and Stranger than Fiction"
Reading Between the Wines: “GENEVA was a great match for our book club. We love reading mysteries and thrillers and this fast-paced thriller set in Geneva, Switzerland in the world of biotech research, had some great red herrings to keep us interested and intrigued. We discussed the biotech world and the ethics surrounding new discoveries. We also discussed the dynamics between Sarah and her husband Daniel, and how her career as a Nobel prize-winning scientist affected their relationship We enjoyed discussing GENEVA!. Lots of red herrings and a great twist kept the conversation going!"
Menu: "Chocolate fondue with fruit and cookies, cheese fondue and bread, mulled wine, and Toblerone!"
Between the Lines: "We were wowed that GENEVA is Richard’s debut novel—the last 20 minutes of the book had us on the edge of our seats!”-“We all enjoyed, this fast-paced thriller read. GENEVA dives into Alzheimer’s, family dynamics, and the biotech industry. It was a roller coaster ride. We have family members with medical illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and we’re interested in the biotech part of the story. We loved the ending and couldn’t get over how it unfolded—it was our favorite part. We recommend GENEVA to book clubs that enjoy a heart-pumping, edge-of-your-seat ending. Richard Armitage narrates the male POV, so get the audio and give your ears a true treat."
Menu: "Fondue with Swiss cheese, as book is set in Switzerland"
Romancing the Hearthstone, Rogers Arkansas; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri; Legacy Literary Ladies, The Villages, Florida
STREET CORNER DREAMS by Florence Reiss Kraut (SheWrites, 11/23)
A novel about Golda, who comes to America yearning for independence before World War I, but tosses aside her dreams of freedom and marries her widowed brother-in-law after her sister dies giving birth to their son.
Romancing the Hearthstone: “We all gave STREET CORNER DREAMS five stars!. We adored it. Most members couldn’t put it down and read it in two days. They loved the writing style and commented that the pacing was great for historical fiction— a page-turner. This was a wonderful story told from the perspective of an immigrant. The novel made us feel so grateful for what we have. The discussion centered on how weak Ben was and how strong Goulda and Sarah were. Members were invested in this story and wanted a sequel to know what happens to Morty.”
Legacy Literary Ladies: “Most members enjoyed STREET CORNER DREAMS from the onset, but ended up loving the novel. As the characters developed, the story was very believable, and I hated to see it end, with engaging twists and turns. It is an emotionally charged story that reads easily and is well crafted. A vivid portrayal of the immigrant experience with believable, vivid. characters and an engaging story that we all felt a connection to.
Menu: Potato latkes
Happy Bookers: "STREET CORNER DREAMS was full of historical events, family drama with struggles, perseverance, and romance. The surprises and twists in various storylines kept our discussion going!"-The characters will long live in our reading memories: Golda, Ben, Morty, Anna, Sylvia, Surah, and Esther. The difficulties and struggles of these immigrants as they faced the events of the Great Depression, the Spanish Flu, and World War 1 provide an influx of social history surrounding their lives. It was intriguing to read the family mysteries surrounding those characters, who are working toward their dreams, as they work through their difficulties and challenges. Which loves will prevail amidst the pressures of war, the gangs, and economic factors of the day as they work to make their way in their new land?
We didn’t know much about the gangs of New York. Families and businesses faced many obstacles and were targeted by gang threats of paying protection fees to survive. A main discussion topic was comparing our lives and advantages to the hardships of our nation's newcomers. We wondered if we could withstand the modes of travel, lack of communication and job opportunities, and health crises with limited care with the same fortitude."
Menu: "Anna’s uncle Tony’s deli-inspired bread, salami, and Swiss cheese. We meet on the opening night of the Osage View restaurant overlooking beautiful rolling hills that many immigrants years ago came upon in settling in our county.
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Lit Happens, California, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Missouri
THE FARMER'S WIFE by Helen Rebanks (Harper Horizon, 9/23)
An honest portrait of rural life and an authentic exploration of both the hard work and reward of keeping a home and raising a family.
Ranch Readers: We loved this memoir and felt it was rare in that it was raw and practical. It made us remember our own trials and tribulations of courtship, career choice, having babies, and the hard work of being a mother and supportive wife. Although Helen experienced many changes in lifestyle she ultimately realized being a wife and mother were the most important aspects of her life and those choices made her the happiest. We enjoyed the recipes she so effortlessly executed, and we felt almost like a family member, getting to know the various individuals she wrote about so intimately and from her heart. A few members spoke about the long hours of work and almost constant attention needed to maintain farm animals that farming involves, and how every member of the family has to contribute to maintaining a farm, the loneliness they often experienced by living isolated on a large farm as children, but also the joys of sharing the rebirth every spring of the farm animals' young and planting season being completed. They also remembered the joys of harvest season when other farmers would gather to help each other and then celebrate by sharing a large meal together. We all enjoyed reading about how food and cooking were important to the author and spoke about the recipes we wanted to try as we discussed the book. We also discussed how family farms contribute the most to preserving sustainable practices and how important it is to support farmers, shepherds, and ranchers. The memoir encouraged us to think about writing our own life stories and including favorite family recipes. Recommended for those who enjoy reading honest memoirs, and being a wife and mother.”
Menu: “Helen's Lentil and Tomato Soup before our discussion--it was so delicious!—and her Lemon Drizzle Cake for dessert”
The Revivals: "We enjoy cooking and this book presented a wonderful opportunity for us to share our kitchen prowess by each of us preparing one or two dishes that came together as a shared dinner; family dinners being a priority for Helen. We discussed Helen's unique art and her enjoyment of creating a comfortable family home. We agree with Helen and share her enjoyment of home-cooked meals and family mealtimes. We discussed our own comfort levels with home births and marveled at Helen's thoughtfully made choices with her second child. We cheered for Helen when she perfectly described the many hats a stay-at-home mom wears and the feelings accompanying that life path. While possibly not given enough attention in the book, Helen writes with personal insight on the food choices we all should be paying more attention to and the farmers who provide our life-sustaining food. In clear and concise few short paragraphs, Helen has enlightened us on the importance of sustainable farming systems that encourage ‘good food from good farming.’. We recommend this book to those who enjoy coming of age, home cooking, memoirs, and women's studies. "
Menu: “Members chose and recreated recipes from the book: Smoked salmon rectangles, hummus and pita chips, frittata, field mushroom soup and croutons, easy chocolate cake, and panettone(bread and butter) pudding.”
Get Woke: "A magical evening! In honor of THE FARMER’S WIFE, and farm-to-table eating, we partnered with the Pleasant Grove Pizza- where host Emily creates unique pizzas with local and seasonal food, which enriched our discussion and palate. Rebanks reflects on her life revealing family struggles and relationships, the challenges of motherhood, and the stigma of honoring ‘small domestic things’ She champions the importance of the daily grind of domesticity. Her thoughts are enhanced by sketches, and family recipes are sprinkled throughout the book.
Chapter by Chapter Book Club of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri; Words!Women!Wine! of Brookfield, Wisconsin
THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY by Katherine A. Sherbrooke (Pegasus Books, 4/23)
The story of a runway model in 1940s Hollywood who makes a split-second decision intended to protect those she loves but triggers a cascade of secrets that threatens to upend her daughter’s life decades later.
Chapter by Chapter: "THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY was a great match. We really enjoy historical fiction and several members commented that they enjoyed the glimpse behind the scenes of the fashion industry in Hollywood. We were interested in how their lifestyle judged those involved in fashion and industry. Several members had read THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO and talked about the similarities between the two books. Told from the perspective of mother/daughter protagonists in dual time periods on opposite coasts, this one kept me turning the page late into the night. I didn’t expect to be so absorbed, but I highly recommend this read!"
Menu: "As a nod to Benny’s meatballs, our potluck included meatball pizza. Our drink was Caramel Apple Cider—a nod to the Berkshires, which was referenced in the novel."
Happy Bookers: “From the fabulous cover to the title to the main character’s name, we were intrigued! When we learned that the book was inspired by the author‘s mother, it added even more interest. THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY is a story of secrets, of decisions, and the consequences of those decisions, with surprising twists and entanglements that kept us reading to learn how the mother’s choices impact her daughter’s life. Learning about Hollywood particularly the fashion, and glamour of 1940s Hollywood to 1970s Broadway was fascinating. Our conversation focused on the difficulty of life-altering decisions and their outcomes. We discussed the bonds of the chosen family and the strength of love and loyalty. An interesting point was how the story involved a coming of age for both Aster and her daughter Lissy. Choices involving Lissy’s Broadway and Noah’s music careers gave us much to talk about. And no one saw a big twist coming! I have since listened to several of the author's interviews and love her background story for this book. We look forward to reading more of her books. We recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction about Hollywood, Broadway, and family drama."
Menu: “Our versions of Benny’s homemade meatballs and soup. When served, we commented on how this was the ultimate comfort food for this story.”
Words!Women!Wine!: "We all enjoyed this book and the strong female protagonists and both timeline plots. We had a great discussion with many viewpoints. We discussed Sam and Aster's relationship. Both characters seemed to have conflicting feelings, although the relationship had some redeeming qualities One member noted that Aster had made so many fabrications about her life, it was hard to keep her secrets straight. It was as if the fabrications were woven into her background, much like her early desire to be a fashion designer. Many of us liked that Aster moved from clothing to sculpture and felt that was a well-developed plot line.
We all agreed that the love story of Fernando and Benedict/Christopher was the best in the book. We discussed it must have been for gay celebrities in the 40s & 50s and even still today. We had not heard of the term ' avender scare’ which led us into a discussion of discrimination and profits and politics. It was interesting to us that both females fixated on their one true love - even though initially they both let them go. Many of us thought it was predictable that Christopher/Benny would die after the lead-up to that scene, but we were all shocked in the end that the death had been fake. We had a lot of discussions around the death, funeral, and new stories. Suggested for clubs that enjoy a female-centered novel with a lot of relationships and secrets.
Menu: "Prosecco and shrimp cocktail (very Hollywood) and followed that with a "Tivoli dinner of caesar salad, penne & meatballs. We had an Italian Love cake for dessert! "
St. Louis Lit Book Club, Missouri; Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Angry Book Club, Norwich, Connecticut
THE INTERN by Michele Campbell, (St. Martin’s Press, 10/23)
A young Harvard law student falls under the spell of a charismatic judge in this timely and thrilling novel about class, ambition, family, and murder.
St. Louis Lit Book Club: “As fall nears the perfect book to pick up is a thriller like THE INTERN, which was interesting from the beginning. and the action was not far-fetched, which was nice for a thriller. Having two points of view allowed our book club to choose which characters we liked most and why. There were many characters to keep track of, which added layers to the discussion. Legal thrillers were new to some, and the reaction was positive to receiving a new type of book we may not have otherwise picked. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers, and multi-character stories. and fast-paced mysteries."
Angry Book Club: We enjoyed THE INTERN! We are known for being pretty critical (hence the anger) but this book got thumbs up, and we especially enjoyed the end! This book had me turning pages, especially with the switched perspectives! There was much conversation about Madison’s indecisiveness, which annoyed some members, while others thought it made her more relatable. We also discussed whether Katherine was smart enough to escape her situation without taking the steps she did. Several of us live near, or have spent time in Boston, and really enjoyed the Boston descriptions and mentions of real restaurants and places —the characters actually drink Dunkin, take the T (and get off at real stops), and live in areas of the city that make sense. This led to a great discussion about books that successfully create a sense of place and the joy of reading books about places we have lived. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers.
Melanie's Book Club: "We all loved THE INTERN. It was a great match for our book club because it's rare for us to find a book that we all enjoy and this was that book! We had an excellent discussion about the book, specifically talking about the relationships among the characters in the book- and how they affected their decision-making. Being from the Midwest, we couldn't really relate to the mob connections, but we could relate to family difficulties and making difficult decisions regarding family members We had many discussions about our families and the different relationships, troubles, and decisions. We know each other well, but it was interesting to learn more and refreshing to hear that all families have issues and work through them in different ways. Recommended for those who enjoy conflict, suspense, and deciding how far you'll go to protect your family."
The Famished for Fiction Book Club of Frisco, Texas, Flagstaff Ladies Book Club, Arizona, Boozy Books Book Club and Kaukauna Wisconsin
YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 5/23)
A YA novel about Harriet Douglass, a teenager living with her historian father on a plantation turned enslaved people's museum, who must handle her feelings of anger when an actress who purchased the plantation next door, plans to turn it into an event venue.
Famished for Fiction: “We loved this multilayered story. The magnitude of all the things affecting Harriet led to a lot of thoughtful discussion. We gave it 5/5 stars!"
The setting of the book reminded us of Whitney Plantation in South Louisiana. We discussed the struggle that exists between the beauty of the plantation homes and grounds the acknowledgment of the horrors of slavery and the pain and suffering of the enslaved people that were forced against their will to build those homes and maintain those grounds. Is it possible to be in awe of those beautiful places and yet heartbroken by the pain that surrounds them?
The importance of seeing both sides of a story and acknowledging them is what leads to improvement in our relationships with people who are different from ourselves. Harriett spent much time caring for herself as her father was unable to do more than the bare minimum after the death of her mother. Harriett's anger with outsiders' inability to see, acknowledge, and respect the purpose of a landmark such as their plantation. We recommend this book to those who enjoy thought-provoking reads that have a different perspective from the 'norm. We are a diverse group of women who enjoy thought-provoking books that enhance our discussion and this was a great fit."
Menu: Down South Kitchen and Bakery for Southern food
Boozy Books: "Thank you for the match! We might not have read YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY otherwise. When a book makes you cry it’s automatically a great book .We liked the mix of the main character's naïveté and cynicism as the book progresses. We discussed toxic parenting and our perceptions of the adults, the character’s adjustments as they navigate issues, our appreciation of having a flawed main character, and the grace given to Layla but not the white friends she grew up with. We were interested in the 17-year-old perspective—and all the current social issues and cultural references, such as TikTok. 'What’s up with teen/middle school boys and frogs' stood out as an amusement.
We recommend this novel to clubs who enjoy contemporary social issue books, or DEAR MARTIN or THE HATE YOU GIVE.”
Flagstaff Ladies: “We all enjoyed this novel, which spurred much discussion about the South (none of us grew up there), plantations, tourist rentals, grief, and growing up a person of color in today's America. We also liked the main character because Harriet is such a teenager —more than half of us are moms of girls).
We live in a tourist town, so though the housing isn't all historic, there are wealthy outsiders who have second homes here, so the way Harriet bristles at the new neighbors resonated. The way she also kind of liked the new girl and determined she was human was also something a few of us could identify with. And her anger issues...not unfamiliar! It was a great trait to give Harriet, and we talked a bit about our own struggles with rage, as well as dealing with others who have trouble controlling theirs.
We have a significant Native-American presence in our city, so that is where we see discrimination, disrespect, and racism crop up, and we had a great discussion about how as women, we also see (and experience) these micro- or upfront- aggressions more readily than our male partners. We also discussed being in a bit of a bubble because it is a small city, and there are no obvious monuments to discrimination that we would drive by all the time (on the nearby reservation, yes). The discussion about grief was also interesting -- how do you remember your loved ones? Do you remember their last days or the rest of their lives? We had a debate about Dawn and what we would have thought about our daughters dating him, or a friend dating their childhood buddy. We liked him but realized we would have been protective of Harriet because she was not very savvy about relationships. We thought the story was well-written and it was nice that it didn't end with everything neatly resolved -- that was realistic. Recommended for those who enjoy novels about young adults, the South, and that discuss racism."
Menu: "One of our group stopped at fast food on the way to book club. Shout out to Harriet's dad!"
The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Woodlands Lunch and Books, Woodlands, Texas Get Woke, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado "
CHASING THE PANTHER: Adventures and Misadventures of a Cinematic Life Carolyn Pfeiffer with Gregory Collins (Harper Horizon, 6/23)
Film producer and early Hollywood female coming-of-age memoir, set against the backdrop of Fellini's Rome, French New Wave Paris, and Swinging London.
Get Woke: "CHASING THE PANTHER reads like a novel: encounters with the rich and famous; travels to exotic cities and countries, experiences, and success as a pioneering film producer and PR representative. We called Pfeiffer the ‘female Forrest Gump’'–Readers travel on a high-speed train rocketing through Pfeiffer’s coming-of-age adventures as she explores NYC and Europe during the turbulent 1960s-‘70s amidst the significant cultural shifts and the ascendance of the film industry. Pfeiffer vividly describes the art, culture, and society of post-war Europe and New York City. Her insights into the actors and film industry were fascinating. The film industry's growth is part of a larger story involving changing attitudes and paradigm shifts of the post-war years, a time when many of us also came of age. The introduction of the birth control pill and Pfeiffer’s romantic encounters mirrored the cultural changes. Book club invitations featured film strips. members were asked to become film directors: and select highlights from the book for a film preview. We discussed the changing role of women and Pfeiffer’s lifetime goal of ‘pushing boundaries’. She felt you had to ‘leave yourself behind’ to discover uniqueness. We were drawn to her comments on women’s status: the expectation that a woman’s role was to be worthy of a man. Her reply resonated: ‘Let no one ever call me worthy.’ Pfeiffer challenged the attitudes of patriarchy, the power of men, and the sensuality of women. Her adventures allowed us to experience the paradigm shifts occurring in the world—positive and negative We agreed her talents, opportunities, and personality allowed her to take advantage of this era, and the difficulty of duplicating this experience today."
Menu: "Honoring her European adventures: Caprese skewers, olives, goat cheese & figs, Pinot Grigio."
The Revivals: “CHASING THE PANTHER covers so many points of interest that it was easy for us to chat all the way through dessert!" We took turns reading and discussing Carolyn's numerous life reflections and insights - we highlighted dozens of quotes. We marveled at Carolyn's remarkable and brave life as she fearlessly pursued her goals. It felt like two books in one: Carolyn's honest and heartfelt observations about her experiences, and a comprehensive cinematic timeline from Europe to the United States. We focused on the former, but scholars will find a valuable resource in the cinematic narrative. As Pfeiffer discussed celebrities, producers, and directors— at times this overwhelmed us, but we are not familiar with the industry and these details were a first exposure. We enjoyed Carolyn's numerous life reflections. GalleyMatch has inspired us to read books we would not have known about and/or genres we would not have selected on our own."
Menu: "Lunch overlooking the lake with multicultural appetizers: Baba ganoush with toasted pita bread (a nod to Omar Sharif); Beet and goat cheese dip with assorted fresh vegetables (Market Fresh Vegetables like one would shop for in France), Avocado chicken salad with jicama and peperoncini peppers on a bed of lettuce with French baguette (A nod to Italy) Dessert:-Lemon buttermilk ice cream with black currant jam and sugar cone."
Woodlands Lunch and Books: "A good match for It is interesting to read about lives so different from our own and we enjoyed this coming-of-age story. In a world of cinematic greats, it was fun to read some of the portrayals from Carolyn’s perspective. A member commented that reading the book made them want to see Doctor Zhivago and another mentioned that they loved Omar Sharif even more after reading the book. There was a discussion of a disturbing scene in the book and many were disappointed at the actor involved. We also enjoyed the descriptions of some of the locales throughout Europe that we knew. As Carolyn discovered herself through the many ups and downs of her early life, it was fascinating to watch her independence shine, especially with Suso d’Amico supporting her career choices. A few members were unfamiliar with numerous names and had to search online for them. Those that enjoy biographies and memoirs, especially of old Hollywood would enjoy this book."
Ranch Readers: "We recall the 1950s and '60s and thoroughly enjoyed CHASING THE PANTHER—the people, films, and occasions were familiar to us, making it a delightful read.
We found Ms. Pfeiffer's memoir exceptionally captivating and thought-provoking. It provided a glimpse into the golden era of cinema behind the scenes. We sympathized with her misfortunes and rejoiced in her successes as a self-sufficient and accomplished woman. We remember the movie era when Carolyn began her career and those she met and interacted with throughout. Although it seemed she lived a fairy tale life, Carolyn faced traumatic events she recounted with candor. Her strength and determination allowed her to overcome adversity and lead a fulfilling artistic life. Her memoir offers a glimpse into the world of fame and fortune in the film industry and a raw, honest portrayal of her struggles and triumphs.
The images added to our enjoyment—several members remembered having photos of Omar Sharif on their bedroom walls as teenagers. We discussed our recollections of the era that Carolyn described, including the films, directors, and producers she mentioned. Despite the notable progress made in women's rights, we realized many obstacles Carolyn faced still endure. The consensus was that success in the film industry depends on connections, and we were impressed by her ability to form relationships with influential figures, and that she was able to rise above her tragedies with grace and not let them deter her from living her best life. Recommended for readers who enjoy a memoir full of experiences more interesting than fiction and film history."
Menu: "Italian cookies that were a tribute to Carolyn's adventures in Italy."
Junior League Book Club of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Spectacles Book Club, Geneva, Ohio, and Hagerstown Housewives, Hagerstown, Maryland
NO TWO PERSONS by Erica Bauermeister (St. Martin's Press, 5/2/23)
A novel about the ways in which one book transforms its readers' lives.
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “Every member loved NO TWO PERSONS, the first book in a long time that we overwhelmingly agreed that we loved.T his book is about a book and the reactions and experiences of nine people who encounter it. Even those that couldn’t attend our discussion were texting with their input— the consensus—this book is a home run. We had a great discussion centered around the first line of the fictional book ‘Wandering is a gift given only to the lost,’ and the idea that no two people ever experience anything exactly the same way.
We discussed the way each character responded to the book and why we felt they were so drawn to it. We loved the little Easter Eggs of how characters were connected and agreed that the widower's story was one of our favorites/most heartbreaking. We loved how the story of each character seemed like it could be a stand-alone short story.
“We were surprised that our entire book club loved the book— we tend to be very opinionated and are almost always split on our reading selections. And that we all loved it was much more interesting, as the theme is about how people experience books differently. Just Ike the characters in the book, we had different experiences and reactions while reading it, but in the end, we were all drawn to it for many of the same reasons. Every last one of us recommends NO TWO PERSONS, especially for those who enjoy short stories, unique characters, and lively discussion."
Spectacles: "We agreed that NO TWO PERSONS was a perfect match for our group. What a thought-provoking book. Each book club member’s favorite parts, thoughts, characters, and quotes began a lively conversation about the value and power of words. The individual stories demonstrated how one book can affect readers in amazing and unexpected ways. It was interesting to read how one book connected all the characters.
We loved all of the characters and their stories, and everyone in our book club had a favorite. As teachers, many of us connected with Nola—a character we could easily relate to—and we thought William and Abigail's story was heartbreaking. We learned through Alice's story that in many ways, a writer's own life experiences affect what is written.We explored the character in each story and saw how the stories were connected. We discussed how parts of Alice's book were found in each chapter. It was interesting to see how and when we were able to put the bits and pieces together to tell Theo's story. As the chapters progressed, we were able to see the impact that the book had on each person and how they moved on. This book reminded us that no two persons interpret the same book in the same way and interpretations that we share depend on where we are at a certain time. In addition to the written stories, we loved how the cover depicted the nine readers!
We shared some of our favorite quotes for discussion, such as ‘The beauty of books—they take you places you didn't know you needed to go.’
Menu: "Foods connected to stories: Ramen noodle salad, granola bars (Nola). PBJ sliders and potato chips (Alice and Peter), banana muffins (William)"
Hagerstown Housewives: “We all enjoyed NO TWO PERSONS. Erica Bauermeister's writing was loved by all. We loved the premise that one story can affect people differently. Some of the most interesting topics were the different chapters that each individual person in my book club liked and their reasons why. We discussed the different stories that resonated. Since we are all book lovers in our book club, we connected to the story of each of the 9 persons who read about Theo. We all had a soft spot for the book and its many characters. We recommend for those who enjoy relatable stories that connect people in inspiring ways.”
Famished for Fiction, Frisco, Texas; Lit Ladies, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Between the Pages, Mt. Morris, New York
BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN by Diane Chamberlain( St. Martins Press, 2020)
A novel of chilling intrigue, a decades-old disappearance, and a woman’s quest for the truth.
Famished for Fiction: We highly recommend BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN, which will remain with us for a long time. The contrasting timelines of the 1940s and the present day, as well as the varying perspectives, made for a captivating read." -
"Chamberlain's writing was impressive, and she has now become one of our favorite authors. Our club enjoyed this intricately crafted book and appreciated the diversity of opinions from our multi-racial group. We learned about the WPA project and the historical setting of Edenton, North Carolina, which we found fascinating. During our discussions, we explored the complex relationships between characters, such as Jesse and Anna, Morgan and Oliver. We delved into the secrets that Nellie kept, and the burden of family responsibility. The ending kept us guessing, and the short chapters made it easy to follow the multiple storylines. Most members gave this novel a 5/5 rating.”
Lit Ladies: "We all enjoyed this novel and it inspired great discussion—success! We discussed the dual timelines, the connections between the protagonists, the art restoration process and research, the epilogue ending, and various aberrations/additions in the mural that Anna added. Members commented that they ‘binged it,’ ‘loved it, ‘couldn’t put it down,’ and “read 250 pages at once.' We recommend to clubs that enjoy historical thrillers and mysteries."
Between the Pages: “Thank you for this read! Hot discussion topics were the dual storyline, life in prison, the big reveal, and small-town life. We live in a small area, so that was discussed at length. We recommend for those clubs that enjoy Intertwined storylines and thrills."
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal, and Reckless Readers, Eastford, Connecticut
THE SOULMATE by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 4/23)
A thriller about marriage, betrayal, and the secrets that push us to the edge,
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal: "We loved THE SOULMATE!, a perfect match for our book club. Most agreed that this one is one of our favorite Sally Hepworth We’re huge fans of hers. Half of our book club met Sally in person during her book tour at Zibby's Bookshop— fantastic!
"We discussed the dynamics between the two couples and which one was the true soulmate. We appreciated how the author added important topics such as mental health, adoption, and addiction. The characters were intriguing and the level of suspense had us on the edge of our seats. We loved having the perspective of Amanda which gave us a great insight into details about the characters’ relationships.
We enjoyed talking about Gabe’s transformation from the beginning of the story, when we all thought he was a wonderful human being, to the end, where many details about his character are revealed. The discussion questions provided an excellent guide for our chat. We recommend THE SOULMATE to book clubs that enjoy reading suspenseful family dramas with an atmospheric setting."
Reckless Readers: Normally we discuss the book for a little while, and then jump to other topics. Not last night! There was too much to discuss after reading THE SOULMATE —everyone loved the book and the twists! This book was such a conversation starter! Sally Hepworth is so good at working mental health into her books. Hepworth nailed the portrayal of mental illness as well as codependency— the character Gabe was hard to read, because of how accurately she depicted his illness. Members wanted to break down the relationship between Pippa and Gave, and how forgiving Pippa was when most people would walk. It was an emotional conversation, with so many personal perspectives and stories.
Most members had never read a Sally Hepworth book. After last night, everyone added her books to their TBR lists. I’ve been reading her for years, and was happy to see they felt the same way about her books! Sally is an excellent storyteller. Thank you so much for the excellent #GalleyMatch.
Menu: "Soulmate bars—peanut butter & jelly—the ultimate soulmate of food! And “The Drop Martini” —a cranberry lemon drop martini, that will send you over the edge after only a few! "
THE STORIES WE TELL: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by Joanna Gaines (Harper Select . 11/8/22)
The first solo memoir from the Magnolia co-founder.
We met at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Shops at Creekside in Frisco, Texas, a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Gaines' own design style, making it the perfect location for our discussion."
Get Lit: "We’re all fans of Chip and Joanna’s and enjoyed learning more about her. Chip is so funny and Joanna always appears to be calm, so it was interesting learning about her childhood and the difficulties she faced.
Jensen Beach County Club's Womens Book Club of Florida, The Wine Club With a Book Problem of Acworth, Georgia, and Blu Stocking Literary Society of West Allis, Wisconsin
THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS by M.J. Rose (Blue Box, 2/23)
A tale of two passionate women— a famous jewelry designer who fights to protect her company and rescue the man she loves, and an auctioneer whose gifts reveal a secret that endangers her very life,
Jensen Beach County Club: “We loved the descriptions of the jewelry that Suzanne Belperron made and the majority of us had researched Suzanne's designs after reading the book.A good match for our book club. We enjoy historical fiction or books with strong women. This novel features a dual timeline— France, 1942, and New York, 1986. Suzanne is a sought-after jewelry designer in France and her longtime lover and business partner, Bernard has been arrested by the Nazis. Violine is an appraiser for an auction company in 1986 and has been approached by Paul Osgood about selling family antiques. While visiting his home, she discovers a hidden compartment in a vintage Louis Vuitton case containing WWII-era jewelry. Violine is gifted with learning the history and secrets of objects she touches, and their owners and realizes that the jewelry has a long and tragic history. Violine and Paul work together to discover the history of the case and the jewelry. We discussed how Dixie and Suzanne demonstrated this in their work for the resistance movement."
Menu: "French rose wine, croissants, olives, brie, baguettes with French butter, chocolate mousse, cheesecake, dark chocolate squares, and cappuccino."
The Wine Club With a Book Problem "THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS is a captivating and powerful story that grabs you from the first page— a good match for as we like historical fiction with strong women. We enjoy books in which we learn something new, and the story prompts us further investigate a topic—in this case, Suzanne Belperron, one of the most innovative jewelers of her time, and her jewelry designs. This intriguing story explored Suzanne Belperron's courage and those who participated in the French Resistance by helping Jewish families leave France. We liked the novel's alternating dual timelines—Paris 1942 and New York 1986—which link Suzanne and Violine, an art historian/appraiser with a supernatural gift. We noted that this is the first book we've read that involves psychometry.”
Rose has written a beautiful and descriptive story. We recommend this book to those that enjoy magical realism, suspense, and World War II fiction."
Menu: "Brie, apples, Classic French Salad (romaine, tarragon, chives, walnuts with a lemon vinaigrette, Ina Garten's Bouef Bourguignon, Mashed Potatoes, macarons. truffles."
Blu Stocking: An excellent selection for our club. This story was fascinating and the psychometry was an interesting twist. We enjoy reading about real people in history within a historical fiction context. While the characters are placed in a fictional story, there is much to take away. Several of us did some research on Suzanne Belperron and her jewelry designs. We also like the alternating timeline. robust discussion. We discussed psychometry's 'unbelievable' aspect juxtapositioned with an equally 'unbelievable' period of history as the holocaust. Also, we talked about the courage and actions of people in this world that are so brave and committed even in the face of personal danger, as well as the variety of themes—determination, strength of character, hope, faith, and love in all its incarnations, lovers (Suzanne/Bernard/Jean), friends (Suzanne & Dixie) and love of country/places (France)”
Curious Book Club, Frederick, Maryland; St. Louis Women’s Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; First Saturday Book Club, Pensacola, Florida
PRACTICE GIRL by Estelle Laure (Penguin Teen, 5/22)
A novel about a girl who rejects her label and decides for herself who she is to the world—about reputation and double standards,
Menu: We met at a diner because there was a diner in the story!
First Saturday Book Club: "We had a great discussion about PRACTICE GIRLan honest, moving YA read that should be in the hands of more teens. PRACTICE GIRL offers a strong look at what it means to participate in a relationship and the need for teens to understand the ramifications of sex and responsibility and dedication to relationships. The author writes with emotional depth—we feel everything Jo goes through, and we root for Jo to win at wrestling and life. It’s clever, charming, and poignant.
We discussed teenage behaviors: that Jo was not responsible for Sam kissing her yet she is blamed, how girls need to have girl relationships so they have support, the importance of family, taking others into consideration while establishing boundaries, and understanding the relationship before sex. Also, that growing up and having friendships change is difficult but a part of growing up. We all enjoyed this coming-of-age novel, recommended for this for groups that enjoy YA lit with emotional depth."
Happy Bookers, Linn Missouri, Lit Ladies Read Melbourne, Florida, and St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; and Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
WEYWARD by Emila Hart (St. Martin's Press, 3/23)
A novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world
Happy Bookers: “A gem of a book with resilient female characters is our favorite GalleyMatch to date.”- on a novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world, read with galleys from
“Hart has given us much to ponder in a most bewitching tale. Altha, Violet, and Kate will long stay with us for their resilience and fortitude. We agreed that witchcraft isn’t accomplished through spells, but by their connection to the world around them -— and that was most appreciated and enjoyed. We cheered at the comeuppance of the perpetrators who caused harm both physical and mental to the female characters. We discussed the plight and strength of women over the ages dealing with similar treatment. The three women characters were enthralling. The author wove the three timelines of the Weyward women’s lives together expertly. Their plight, resourcefulness, and special powers along with their ties to nature and their strength to survive amidst adversity and ill-treatment earn these characters a place in your heart. The short chapters breeze along while keeping the depth of the characters and story strong. Highly recommended by our group to fellow readers. The perfect fall read. The perfect anytime read! Cannot wait to read more from this author.”
Menu: Orton stew (chicken and rice soup) W pendant cakes(cupcakes), Witches sticks and twigs (fried tortilla strips), Cottage dip (cowboy caviar), Crow Bars (brownie bites), Insect Wings(corn chips), Graham Crackers(saltines and wheat thins), and Morgs(moon drop grapes)in a member’s backyard and woods for our book reenactments."
Lit Ladies Read:“ We loved everything about this book! This is a very compelling read that highlights the connection between women, family, and nature."
WEYWARD is a beautifully written story about the strength and resilience of three different women. The story is told in alternating timelines, in different centuries leaving the reader to wonder how these women are related. The Weyward women all face similar, yet different, hardships of violence, abuse, and expectations of society that they must overcome. The women all have a very strong connection to nature and find strength and inner peace through this connection. The alternating timelines advance the story and keep you wanting more. The descriptive language paints a clear picture, and we loved the alternating timelines—each character's story was compelling and gave a feel for what these women had to endure. We spent quite a bit of time discussing the treatment of women who were deemed ’weird’ throughout history. It is frightening to think that there was a period in history when women could be labeled witches and executed based on nothing more than conjecture and failure to conform to societal expectations. Altha's storyline, in particular really highlighted how ludicrous the idea of witchcraft really is and how scared people were of anyone who was different. Another hot topic was domestic abuse and how difficult it can be for abused women to escape their abuser. Both Kate's and Violet's stories dealt with physical and sexual abuse that required both women to find the strength to remove themselves from their situations. We recommend for those who enjoy stories about women finding their inner strength to overcome hardship.”
Menu: Witching Hour Cabernet Sauvignon and witch hat cupcakes.
St. Louis: "WEYWARD was intense, honest and deeply connected to today’s time The three timelines and main character add layers of interconnected themes and details. At first glance, these are very different women but ultimately all face similar situations. We discussed feminism and the growth of women throughout time, how the patriarchy impacts women’s abilities to make choices, and Nature vs nurture—these women all were born to be Weyward, not raised to be Weyward.
Recommended for those who enjoyed THE LOST APOTHECARY by Sarah Penner; three perspectives or time periods in stories; the power of nature; books about powerful women and the ability to be strong despite the circumstances and external environment. This book has some trigger warnings that I think all readers need to be extremely mindful of before reading (physical/verbal abuse, parental abuse, rape, pregnancy loss, abortion, jail).
Reading Between the Wines: “This book was a perfect match for our club. We all enjoyed this story of three women from the same family line at different points in time. There was so much to discuss here: our connection to the natural world, overcoming trauma, giving yourself grace, and the strength and resilience of women, feminism, women’s connection to the natural world, family legacies, and overcoming trauma We thought the author did a great job incorporating the interconnected stories of Althea, Violet, and Kate. Recommended to book clubs that enjoy women’s fiction, historical fiction with dual timelines, and a touch of magical realism.
Menu: "Food to honor the garden at Weyward cottage, including veggie crackers with garden vegetables, and basil cheese, roasted vegetable pizza, and fresh veggies with hummus. We also had blueberry scones with jam and tea and biscuits as a nod to the English settings in the book."
Longwood Ladies, Goshen, Kentucky and Colonies Book Club, Yorkville, Illinois
ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE by Noelle Salazar ( Mira,/ HTP, 11/22)
A story inspired by true events, about courageous women who risked everything for their country, family, and each other
Longwood Ladies: “ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE was a great book club book.We all loved learning about a neutral country. It was a new take on that era that we all really enjoyed! We discussed how much we learned about the World War II era, We talked a lot about and enjoyed the fact that it shined the light on a true sister act. It was the first historical fiction I’ve read that took place in the Netherlands during World War II. It was a refreshing change to hear the trials from a neutral neighbor. The characters were easy to relate to and love and my heart was wrenched by their bravery and struggles. We fell in love with the characters —they were strong, intelligent, patient women right from the start and their growth and determination were astounding. We recommend ANGELS to those who enjoy historical fiction and reading about strong women! If you enjoyed THE LILAC GIRLS, ROSE CODE, or Salazar’s first book, FLIGHT GIRLS, you will enjoy this historical fiction. We all thank you immensely!”
Colonies Book Club: "Some members were in tears throughout this beautifully told story of two young sisters who risk everything for their homeland during World War II. Our members loved this book. Some comments: A heart-wrenching read that is full of tenderness, resilience, courage, brutality, and devotion. The author did a great job of opening our eyes to the hardships of living through Nazi occupation Salazar demonstrated how strong the bonds of sisters, family, and friends are in a powerful way. This story is told from the perspective of a young teenage girl and how innocence is lost through the actions necessary to fight the evil that ripped her country apart. We were unfamiliar with the occupation of the Netherlands and learned about their struggle with starvation and freezing during the last years of the war. We couldn’t imagine girls getting involved with the resistance and what they were willing to do for their country. We all felt the guilt that Lien carried throughout her life over her little sister's death and the catalyst that was for her to join the resistance. We loved the epilogue and the closure it gave us about all of the character
Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut: CT Lit Club, Milford, ConnecticutTHE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins(St. Martin's Press, 1/23)
A gothic suspense novel set at an Italian villa with a dark history.
Literary Lovelies:" We all loved the book! This book has books within the book!”-“We discussed both storylines and if we found ourselves drawn to one story or the other. Susan loved the dual timelines and thought the Mari storyline felt like a movie! We also discussed whether we saw that Mark and Chess were together. A lot of people had thoughts on Chess! We decided she was either a Love or hate character. We also discussed if you have to like the characters to like a book. Chelsey thought the book reminded her of Rachel’s other books and talked about her distinct writing style. We loved how easy it was to read, and enjoyed the epistolary chapters that enhanced the story. We felt the book wrapped up a little quickly and we wished that Emily had stood up for herself a little more! But the Italy location was a favorite of ours as well as the slight gothic style of the Mari plot line. We recommend THE VILLA to clubs that enjoy dual timelines in beautiful settings! Thank you so much for this opportunity!"
Menu: "We meet virtually, but enjoyed some limoncello while reading the book! Emily and Chess are a little over-served on limoncello their first night in Italy."
CT Lit Book Club: This book had us in a heated discussion about what we would do if we were in the main character’s situation. We found ourselves in a coffee shop yelling about dead husbands and realized we probably should put our books on the tabble so other patrons see we are actually discussing a book!!
“We were excited to preview a Rachel Hawkins title! The majority of us have read THE WIFE UPSTAIRS and RECKLESS GIRLS, along with some of her Erin Sterling books.
We had high expectations for THE VILLA, as it is highly anticipated by the bookstagram community. Overall, we expected it to be more ‘thrilling’, but we enjoyed it and were enthralled wondering what was going to end up happening and how the two stories of what took place at the villa were going to bridge together. One member described her reading experience as the story ‘always having an air of suspicion to keep her intrigued.’ We really loved the setting of the villa in Italy and loved the throwbacks to the 70s! We recommend this book to those that enjoy drama, and books like BIG LITTLE LIES.’
Reckless Readers: "Everyone loved the book, rating it Hawkins’s best yet!"- “This is our second GalleyMatch for a Rachel Hawkins book, and we were very excited! Most members read THE VILLA in two sittings We could not wait to rant about the characters we hated, dissect the twists, and gush over the amazing setting. There was a lot of early chatter in the week before our meeting — those that finished it early could not wait to have our discussion.
The level of betrayal among friends was the biggest discussion. We loved the setting, the dual timelines, and the parallels between them. The twists were nonstop and unexpected, which kept us page-turning. The dual timelines made the story. Going from Emily & Chess presently staying at the Villa, to Mari in 1974, the reader gets the full picture of what really happened at The Villa Aestas. Both stories have parallels that are frightening. It seems that you can’t stay at the Villa without it taking someone from you. There are love triangles, friendship deceits, thrilling reveals, and murder to fit everyone’s appetite. It’s dark and atmospheric in ways we have never seen from Rachel Hawkins. She packed so many surprises into this book, but the last chapter is the biggest. There was a hot debate among the group on whether that last chapter was even necessary. How many twists are too many? We recommend if you enjoy big twisty thrillers that grip you until the end —add it to your preorder list! It's out in January, and will be on everyone’s hot list for 2023!"
Menu: “Italian lemon theme to match book: lemon basil pasta salad, lemon ricotta hot cheese dip, limoncello cocktails.”
Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Riverside Readers, Plain City, Ohio; Amy's Book Club, Boulder Colorado
A LIGHT IN THE FOREST by Melissa Payne (Lake Union, 2022)
An emotional and suspenseful novel about the weight of secrets and the healing power of friends and family.
Riverside Readers: “We loved the Ohio setting and although Crystal was a made-up town, we have been to similar small towns and could picture the intent while we read. We appreciated the fun and quirky characters with a hint of underlying mystery in the book. don't know. We discussed the small town, the stereotypes, and the reality, not all small towns in Ohio are like that but we knew why the author picked to use the stereotypical poor/mining town in Appalachia. The timelines coordinated well together with the flashbacks. The characters of the small town were unique and we liked how they interacted with each other—they balanced the trauma. The reader's guide for this book was great. Thank you! We love being introduced to new authors and this time it helped build a new small community of readers, as this is a new book club."
We discussed which of the lovable/heroic characters we enjoyed the most and whether Vega was a hero or a victim;, the pacing of how quickly Vega developed community in Crystal, secrets and why they should be kept or told; our reactions to Vega checking Instagram and our internal screamings at her of what we wanted her to do, the town's support of Eve, and what would happen next for all of them. We recommend A LIGHT IN THE FOREST to book clubs that enjoy complicated relationships and a multi-decade mystery to unravel." Melanie’s Book Club:" We loved the opportunity to preview A LIGHT IN THE FOREST. We are reading another Melissa Payne book this month, as a result! Everyone had positive comments and the book made for great conversation. One member who is stingy with book ratings gave our selection 5 stars. This is a thoughtful, well-written book that discusses real-life issues with great character development. A main discussion point was the different social issues addressed in the book and that the author didn't 'preach' about them. Our group has many teachers and nurses in it and this made an impact on us, especially since we see these issues in the lives of our students and patients. We appreciated the character development and that through the different points of view, we were able to put pieces of the puzzle together before Vega did, yet it didn’t take away from the mystery. This book is a must-read! We look forward to seeing if her other books have a similar writing style and theme."
Madame Woods Book Club of Wiscasset, Maine, and Book Club Girls of Sparta, New JerseyTHE WAYS WE HIDE, by Kristina McMorris (Sourcebooks, 2022)
We discuss the intricacies of the story and how relatable the main character was. McMorris thoughtfully and seamlessly transitions from a story of romance, into a detail-oriented spy novel, and keeps the reader o n the edge of their seat in anticipation of what direction the story and characters would go next. She challenges the reader to keep up with current and past storylines, all while inserting historical events, distracting the reader - they are well intertwined into the characters' lives and the book’s storylines. THE WAYS WE HIDE offers a variety of themes that would appeal to a large readership. So many beautiful moments, even in the last chapters of the book, that offer a sweet and real conclusion.”Book Club Girls of Sparta: "We enjoyed reading about a part of history we did not know of.Most of us were unaware of the Dutch involvement in the resistance or hadn't heard of this chapter of history where women recruited into the resistance worked on inventing escape aids that were hidden in things like games, and the hiding of clues and maps in ordinary objects was interesting to learn about. The resounding takeaway was the fact that so many people risked everything to help the resistance, to help other humans stay safe. Many questioned whether they would be as brave, especially being a woman. We found the most connecting part of the story was Fennas; bravery, and fearlessness even though she had deep trauma from the fire. We recommend THE WAYS WE HIDE to groups interested in historical fiction about new pieces of World War III history and strong female protagonists."Menu: Tea and speculoos cookies.
Brunch & Books Club, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Literary Fires Everywhere, Cortland Manor, New YorkTHE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center, (St. Martin's Press, 7/22)
A romantic and humorous romance about a bodyguard, and the movie star she's hired to protect, as they work to keep things professional under crazy circumstances
Brunch & Books: “We discussed the main character’s growth. Everyone enjoyed the love story, but seeing how the character grew into herself from start to finish was what really stood out. She gained confidence and self-respect that she didn’t have at the beginning and that really resonated with members. The discussion questions prompted a good conversation that brought to mind parts of the story we might not have discussed.
I Ioved this fun and funny book with every piece of my heart. It was my first Katherine Center novel and it felt as if I was sitting with a BFF listening to her tell e this hilarious and heartwarming story. 10/10! The Author’s Note alone is worth 5 stars. Don’t skip it! Recommended for those who enjoy funny, happy love stories! We’re so appreciative of the opportunity! “
Literary Fires Everywhere: "We all enjoyed this book. I am definitely not a regular rom-com reader— I usually find myself rolling my eyes at plots that make others swoon— but I really did love this book. It’s super cute, engaging, and the characters feel real. Even the setting popped right off the page! Definitely recommend grabbing this one!
Hannah has been hired to be a bodyguard to Jack, a Hollywood burnout who would prefer not to have a bodyguard. The pair have palpable chemistry, and I quickly found myself rooting for them. We are not huge romance readers and we’re all pleasantly surprised that it was both fluffy and deep, a un reads with a bit of drama. We all loved the touches and the author’s descriptions. (The Bush steak knives)."
Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; and Bookish Ladies, Coto de Caza, CaliforniaHESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese (St. Martin's Press, 10/4/22)
A vivid reimagining of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne, the tragic heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and a journey into the enduring legacy of New England's witchcraft trials.Get Woke: "HESTER’s message empowered us! As Laurie Lico Albanese writes, Hester Prynne is ‘a heroic woman who defies powerful men and vengeful villagers by wearing the symbol of her shame like a badge of courage.’ Heroic women! May we be them and may we raise them!”A major symbol, incorporating the books' themes, was Isobel's sewing skill and her ability to design and stitch beautiful patterns and scenes that revealed emotions and contained hidden messages.
Each member of the book club was asked to bring a bottle of wine (or another beverage of choice), containing a label that could reflect a 'hidden' message or theme of the story. Our discussion involved each of the members presenting her wine and describing the label, revealing aspects of the novel. These included PROPHECY WINES— The label’s images relate to the supernatural world, and scenes with shooting stars. Isobel struggles to accept her power, and the woman on the label exhibits power.*TEMPTATION AND EVE—Depicts Eve tempting Adam. Isobel’s community shuns her as a witch when she becomes pregnant. EVE elicited discussion on the Bible story – Isobel notes its message about untrustworthy women. GNARLY HEAD WINES—summarizes many characters' mental states: Hawthorne struggles with his family history of witch trials. Isobel struggles with her artistic creations and powers. *KALEIDOSCOPE:— Isabel’s gift enables her to create beautiful designs and messages on clothing and understand others’ emotions. WITCHING HOUR: summarized the novel’s mystery, fantasy, excitement, and passion.
Menu: A ‘community rice bowl’ is symbolic of the support and encouragement women shared in the novel. Member brought ingredients. Along with the theme of wine, dessert bars were labeled ‘Primitive Nuts’: many characters reflect this title!
We also shared a representation of each member’s name created by a woman with synesthesia.”We thought character of 'Hathorne' -- what the author calls Hawthorne-- could have been developed a bit further as he seemed shallow and his treatment of Isobel seemed dismissive. The social issues of the time were well highlighted by the author with a concurrent story of the Witch Trials in Salem, the plight of fleeing saves using the Underground Railroad, the mistreatment and victimization of women who had no rights, the struggles of prejudice that immigrants face in America We enjoyed the novel and feel it is going to become a best seller - it was definitely a compelling read!
Menu: Bee-shaped tea cakes and chocolate and lemon lavender scones to enjoy with tea and coffee.
Bookish Ladies: "Everyone enjoyed the book and a fresh reboot of The Scarlet Letter. The author did a wonderful retelling and we loved the characters and the story. We had a great discussion and we’re so happy to have this fun experience. We highly recommend HESTER! One member loved the book so much that she took a trip to Salem - ok it was a brilliant coincidence that she was going there!"
Menu: "Many colorful vegetables mentioned in the book."
Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas and Cork and Olive Book Club, Valrico, FloridaHALF-BLOWN ROSE by Leesa-Cross Smith (Grand Central, 2022)
A novel about a woman remaking her life after her husband’s betrayal leads to a year of travel, art, and passion in Paris.
Famished for Fiction: “We had a great time discussing HALF-BLOWN ROSE! This book really stretched us!" We discussed infidelity quite a bit: some members felt that the current problem —the marriage— needed to be resolved before embarking on another adventure—a relationship with Loup. We discussed that Vincent and Loup being independently wealthy contributed to their ability to just 'do as they pleased'. Vincent runs off to Paris; she and Loup travel by train to visit Theo, and family. Her family’s laid-back attitude when she shows up with Loup is a bit shocking; but, put into the context of their family, it made sense. SPOILER ALERT: We felt the ending left questions unanswered...maybe a sequel is in the plans? We would love to know if Vincent will return to Cillian, stay with Loup or go out on her own. We felt she was d searching for her freedom by leaving Kentucky and fleeing to Paris; but, in the end, becomes more tied down with the pregnancy. We recommend this book to those who enjoy Paris, romance, art, and secrets."Menu: We loved that the novel was set in Paris so we met at a French restaurant, Toulouse Cafe & Bar for quiche, Toulouse salad, lobster rolls, lobster risotto, and rose-themed drinks: French 77 and Rose all-day punch."
Cork and Olive: We looked forward to HALF-BLOWN ROSE, as we enjoyed Leesa’s novel THIS CLOSE TO OKAY and this did not disappoint! We enjoy her writing style—a phenomenal writer!” There was much discussion about whether Vincent should have led her husband on, whether it was wrong for her to be with Loup before a decision about her marriage, and whether she should have reached out to Tully and his mother. No one liked Cillian's actions and would have preferred Vincent to end her marriage if she was going to go be with someone else. We discussed Vincent's relationship with her children and the growing relationship with Tully, who we loved. There was concern that Vincent spent more time on Tully with her children, although we know that she loved them - she just didn't share as much of herself with them. We all want an epilogue!! We agreed that we needed to know what Vincent decided. Some hoped she kicked both Cillian and Loop to the curb, stayed in Paris, and raised the baby herself. Some thought she might have both... We loved that she decided to just do whatever she felt— eat pastries, sleep during the day, do whatever her spirit felt, while she proces
sed this punch in the gut to her life.
We enjoyed the references to food, art, books, and music. It was SO brilliant that Leesa created Vincent's Spotify playlists. We were delighted to see videos and references to characters on @anchoismusic. What a great way to bring the book to life! C'est bon bon bon! We recommend this novel to those who enjoy travel, art, and passion.”
Menu: "Our menu featured foods referenced —wonderfully varied and not all French! Cranberry Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes, Chickpea Stew, Fig Jam and Cheese with crackers, Rosemary Flatbread with Hummus and Olives, Pain au Chocolat, Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies, and of course, Champagne!
Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Literary Lovelies of Yonkers, New York Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Finer Things Book Club of Brentwood, CaliforniaTHE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK by Ellen Marie Wiseman (Kensington, 8/22)
The story about the Willowbrook State School, the Staten Island mental institution that shocked a nation when exposed in the 1970s as a dumping ground for unwanted children.
Sensational Seven: "We are fortunate to read this new novel from a favorite author! Once again, Ms. Wiseman has so eloquently written about another of our nation’s past social injustices. We compared our strong responses to the novel with other books with difficult topics. She has shed light on a piece of our history that is so important to learn about. Her take on Willowbrook through the eyes of sixteen-year-old, Sage Winters, was a riveting ‘page-turner.’ When Sage discovers her twin sister, Rosemary, was alive and had been institutionalized for years at Willowbrook; she courageously heads to the school to rescue her. We discussed our emotional responses in realizing that these atrocities occurred in our lifetime and in our country Our discussion centered on how the children’s parents felt after learning the truth of events at the ‘school.’ We were sad and horrified over Willowbrook, and had for the staff and media who were crucial to its closure. We felt grateful for the advancement in care and treatment of the mentally ill and incapacitated members of our society today.”
Menu: "Our take on related food/drink: White chicken chili, representing the colorless mush that residents at Willowbrook were served daily. We also drank Tequila Sunrises, a popular cocktail in 1972, using orange juice. In the novel, the nurses mixed medication in orange juice to keep the residents sedated. No meds were used by our book club- only tequila and grenadine in the OJ!”
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “We enjoy historical fiction and mystery and this was the best of both worlds!”Some members recently toured a State Hospital in Michigan and were able to compare what they learned with Willowbrook. Ellen Marie Wiseman joined us via Zoom to answer questions about how she researched the book and where the ideas came from— including the big twist. It was especially fun because she had been at the memorial at Willowbrook the day before and was able to tell us about meeting some of the doctors and attendants who helped to blow the whistle, per se. We discussed society during this time, and why it was often recommended for parents to place children in a place like Willowbrook. We discussed how parents could see their child in that state, not say anything- many of us agreed that during that time, people deferred to 'authority’ and took the doctors at their word. Today, parents question and challenge authority, especially when it comes to doctors and teachers. We agreed this was one of the saddest stories we had heard and had time wrapping our heads around the fact that while it’s a fictional story the setting, conditions, and many of the characters were real. We also didn’t see the twist coming (Ellen said that even her editor didn’t see that one!).”
Menu: "Pancakes and bacon, a build-your-own-oatmeal bar, and orange juice —spiked with champagne instead of sedatives, as in the book."
Literary Lovelies: "This was truly a fascinating book that led to a great discussion about mental health. We couldn't believe it was based on a true story! We all loved this fascinating story, and it was heartbreaking to know it was based on a real situation. The subject matter was difficult but we all enjoyed the historical fiction and somewhat true crime genre in this well-written and detailed novel. Wiseman graphically describes the school, where employees brutalize and demean their residents. It’s after a reporter sneaks into the facility— the journalist is Geraldo Rivera, who was instrumental in getting the facility rehabbed and shut down —that light is shed on these inhumane conditions. We discussed the women brought to this facility, mental health, and the management of those needing special care. It was terrible that couldn’t speak up for themselves, and that no one ever checked on them This dark and gritty story will stay with us for a long time—it was so interesting and led to a fabulous discussion. This is my first time reading this author and I will be looking for more of her books."
Elizabeth's Book Chat, Frisco, Texas; Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey; North Wales Area Public Library; PennsylvaniaWHEN WE LET GO by Rochelle Weinstein
A novel about mothers and daughters, loss and acceptance, the lessons that come from heartbreak, and the healing it takes to embrace the joy of a second chance.Elizabeth’s Book Chat: "A wonderful match We had a very lively discussion with author Rochelle Weinstein and the book was so well received. Everyone loved it! There were different elements of the story that each of us could relate to which made it even more interesting. The author's style of writing is genuine and heartfelt. As we read the words on the page, we also were able to actually feel the emotions. What was very interesting was when members asked Rochelle where the idea for the tree came from. The response kept everyone chatting for a while. Great interaction!”
Book Club Girls Sparta: “A new author to us, and this moving story was enjoyed by all. Many could relate to the protagonist's profound level of loss and trauma and how one moment in her young life altered her future relationships with those closest to her. Trauma, grief, mother-daughter, sister, family, forgiveness, strength, and courage were all key factors that resonated with our readers. We discussed the importance of self-care and women surrounding themselves with people they can trust and open up to, and give themselves permission to move on and heal. We enjoyed the mother/ daughter theme. Read this moving novel if you are looking for a story of mothers, daughters, first love, second chances, and the powerful bond of sisters. “
Over-Readers Anonymous of Cumming, Georgia, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, Wine Club with a Book Problem, Woodstock, GeorgiaOVERKILL by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 8/22)
A crime thriller in which a conflict of conscience between a former football star and an ambitious state prosecutor swiftly intensifies into a fight for their lives.
Reckless Readers: "OVERKILL satisfied the thriller need, romance desire, and contemplative fiction we all love. It was an excellent book club book that sparked much conversation: the question of whether or not we would want to stay alive, or if we could actually pull the plug ourselves on a loved one, after being in a coma with no brain activity. The characters had moral and religious struggles with this choice, and we empathized with them. We loved the spicy romance in the book —with much discussion about how much more of it everyone wanted—as well as the direction of the story. Eban’s character sent us on another heated conversation about entitlement and the evils that wealth can add to an already evil person’s being. Sandra Brown did an excellent job of making us hate him, and kept us page-turning hoping for a better outcome. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy a little romance in their thriller, and heavy discussion points."
Menu: "Our drink—the Blue Overkill (vodka blue Curacao, and pineapple juice) was tasty, like Zach, and packed a punch like Kate. Paired with charcuterie."
Over-Readers Anonymous: “We recommend OVERKILL for those who enjoy crime fiction, suspense thrillers, and contemporary issues with a little romance thrown in! Our book club has enjoyed several Sandra Brown novels, they're entertaining and also touch on issues that lead to a deeper discussion. We discussed the ethical dilemma at the foundation of OVERKILL and delved into medical ethics, end-of-life planning, the characters, the plot, the judicial system, and the celebrity spotlight. As we all have roots in the south, we liked the Atlanta, New Orleans, and North Carolina settings. OVERKILL was action-packed and easy-to-read."
Menu: “As a BBQ menu was suggested by the author, met at a local restaurant for pulled pork!." (see Sandra Brown's recipe)
Book Club Girls: "An enjoyable read with developed characters an incredible, setting, and suspense well paced throughout the book. We discussed what we would do if faced with the same situation as Zach even though none of our members have had to face this situation. What many of us thought should have been a clear-cut choice, as we wove through the narrative we came to understand that there were so many layers to this that came into play that it wasn't as simple as we believed in the beginning. The most hated character was the villain Eban and although he is fictional, we agreed there are real people in the world like him. When you are so wealthy that you can make so many disastrous choices as a human with no consequences was highlighted. What would have happened to someone else who wasn't as wealthy? Also, we all agreed that no one really thought about Rebecca, until they were forced to, which led us to agree it was unacceptable for her to continue to be victimized in a way for so very long. But, if she was allowed to let go in the beginning, there wouldn't be as much of a plot line for the book. Loved the premise of the story, it gave lots of topics for discussion.
Menu: "We recommend bbq, pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans, and any tailgating type of foods that would be a nod to North Carolina and football."
Wine Club with a Book Problem: "OVERKILL is a good thought-provoking story. The topic of life support and having your affairs in order gave us a good discussion, and we enjoyed the setting of Atlanta since we live in the area. Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger has MPA for his ex-wife, Rebecca, who has been placed on life support after a violent assault. Zach has kept Rebecca on life support for 4 years to honor her parent's wishes. The attacker, Eban, gets an early release from prison and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. If Rebecca were to die, Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off and put Eban back in prison. We discussed that no one really thought about Rebecca. Zach was concerned about how he would be portrayed by the media, her father keeping her alive to punish Zach, and Eban boasting how his father's money got him out of prison early and now he can bet back to partying. It was unacceptable to keep Rebecca on life-support for so long.
Menu: "There are many football analogies and football references throughout the book. We put together a Tailgate Football Menu: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Balsamic Fig Infused Burger Bites, Wings, Homemade Salsa & Chips plus Guacamole, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pizza Pepper Poppers."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; CT Lit, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Kings Chapel Book Club Arrington, Tennessee,ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir (Penguin Teen, 3/22)
A contemporary novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.
Reading Between the Wines: "We all enjoyed the book and thought the author did a wonderful job of creating flawed and 'real' characters that we grew to care about."This was a great match for our club. Our discussion included immigrants' struggles to preserve their culture while trying to achieve the American Dream, the nature of generational trauma, the opioid crisis, and the role of faith in people's lives- so many things to discuss! We became invested in the characters of Noor and Sal and the traumatic events that they and their families, experienced impacted us, and provided a lot of jumping-off points for discussion. Watching their growth throughout the novel gave it a hopeful ending. We loved this book and were fully invested in these characters, and reading it was a very emotional journey. Recommended to clubs that enjoy books discussing contemporary themes, strong characters, and emotional reads.
Menu: We met at a local Indian/Pakistani restaurant to enjoy food discussed and eaten in the novel: chai tea, poori, halwa, Chicken Kashmiri, and paratha, among other dishes!
Page Ladies: “We went in expecting a contemporary story about friendship and forgiveness but what we got was so much more. Thank you, Sabaa Tahir, for sharing this devastating but absolutely beautiful story with us! This is a powerful story that affected each of us differently. It's one that will stay with us for a long time. Until The Fight Salahudin and Noor were more than friends; they were family. Now, Sal is struggling with keeping his family's motel afloat as his mother's health fails and his father loses himself to alcoholism. Meanwhile, Noor is working at her uncle's liquor store and hiding the fact that she’s applying to college so she can escape him and Juniper forever. Sal and Noor must ask themselves what friendship is worth and what it takes to defeat the monsters in their pasts and the ones in their midst. This is an emotional and moving story about friendship, forgiveness, and heartache; it’s like taking a deep dive into a pool full of emotions. Grief, betrayal and forgiveness, loss, rage— you will feel every single one and more in this book. No one from our book club was able to finish this book with dry eyes. There are so many topics that were brought up and all were not easy to discuss: death, drugs, prejudice, and physical abuse. The writing is absolutely wonderful—Sabaa Tahir is a fabulous storyteller. She has a way with words that touches each of her readers.“
Get Woke Book Club “Members arrived with books displaying colorful post-it tabs, which visually reflected the common greeting, 'there is so much to think about in this novel!A group of mothers and grandmothers very much enjoyed the novel by a young adult author and its detailed and realistic picture of the struggles that immigrants face in relocating to the United States and of the family traditions and secrets that follow the immigrants to their new home. The culture and religious traditions of Pakistan were vividly described in an engaging storyline and beautiful prose. The main plot follows the lives of two Pakistani teens, who are struggling with school, personal tragedies, and love. They are surrounded by other well-drawn characters who add depth to the story. We discussed the many plot lines and themes: diversity, forgiveness, hope, family relationships, communication, secrecy, and loss. Tahir fills the novel with music, probably an excellent technique for adolescent readers—they can easily relate to the messages and emotions through familiar songs. Noor uses songs and their lyrics to help cope with the conflicts in her life.
Members shared selfies with short reflections: “Music plays a role in helping us deal with life’s adversities.* When is a relationship worth salvaging? *Fortunately forgiveness does not have an expiration date. It waits and always hopes to be the last word. *Peeling through the complicated layers of life we can see, appreciate and begin to understand one another. * One of my favorite quotes ‘Great passions grow into monsters in the dark of the mind; but if you share them with loving friends they remain human, they can be endured.’ * Tahir effectively introduces sections with lines from Elizabeth Bishop's poem, “One Art. Many characters ‘lost’ things: family, money, businesses, dignity. A lesson we all may need is that losing isn’t always bad.: 'the art of losing’s not too hard to master’ *While keeping a secret is meant to protect someone at some point, keeping that secret might be doing more harm.”
CT Lit Book Club: "We’ve been exploring new genres, and we enjoyed ALL MY RAGE, a heartbreaking story that touches on a lot of sensitive topics which gave us plenty to discuss.ALL MY RAGE introduced us to Pakistani culture. This young adult story follows two Pakistani teens growing up in a small town in California and the grim realities of their American dream. Even through difficult times their cultural norms held them together as a family, even if not by blood, the young adult characters are each facing their own struggles—the death of a loved one, racism, alcoholism, drugs, abuse— they are navigating grief, failure, and forgiveness, and must ultimately lean on one another to make sense of the chaos they are facing. It was shocking to imagine our younger selves in situations like these and we spent time reflecting on how the kids navigated various situations. One that stood out is how Salahudin and Noor dealt with the drug bust, and how their relationship persevered. We also discussed how Salahudin came to terms with his abuse. We recommend ALL MY RAGE for clubs learning about other cultures, family drama, and historical fiction."
Kings Chapel: “Thank you for the chance to read this insightful novel. We had a fabulous discussion and I think it was good to read outside our usual genres. This is a heart-wrenching story about two teens from Pakistani families living in Juniper, California, dealing with tough circumstances, basically all by themselves. We don’t read much YA, It was out of the comfort zone for most of the ladies. but the tough topics represented in this story, such as grief, alcoholism, physical abuse, and racism, were easier to handle in the Young Adult format. Understanding why the characters made the choices they did was something we discussed quite a bit. As teens, they made decisions that were wrong but for the right reasons and it was interesting to get in the minds of these teens and try to understand why. As parents, it was hard to read at times, feeling so sad for these kids who have had such a hard life. But seeing them grow and learn from mistakes and stand up for others, gave the book a nice redemption quality in the end. Recommended for groups that enjoy YA coming of age and social justice."
Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut, Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma;
Lit Ladies Read, Melbourne, Florida; Thrillers by The Book / Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas;
Thrillers by The Book / Costa Mesa, California, CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut recommend:
THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK by Jennifer Hillier (Minotaur 7/22)
Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.
Reckless Readers: An excellent match! Everyone was excited to talk about the twists. We had much to discuss with THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK. Members were messaging before we met, needing to talk about the book as they were finishing it. It was like a month-long meeting, behind the scenes! Usually, if continuous discussion is prompted, the book was a hit. To say the book was twisty is an understatement. This book was twisty than a country back road! A few of us seasoned readers predicted the big twists, but most of us were surprised and shocked. Together, we all needed to unload about the horrendous mothering and terrible situations that Joey was put in throughout her childhood. All of the women in our group are mothers, which makes the book hit us so much harder. But the book wasn’t just about sexual abuse and trauma. There is a high-profile murder that could potentially unearth secrets that need to be kept hidden. The conversation got animated when we discussed Joelle's charge with murder, and there was much discussion about the relationship between Ruby and Joey. As mothers, we found it hard to imagine how Ruby could treat Joey the way she did and put her in such horrible situations. It was heartbreaking and disturbing ."
Chilly Thrillies: “Thank you for giving our group the gift of a 5-star read, a perfect match! We were engaged from start to finish and loved how much there was to discuss. It had the thrills of a book with great character development and storyline. We discussed narcissism and how it affects relationships, specifically parent-child, how the way you are raised affects your instincts and perspective of others, fight or flight and how we would react in certain scenarios in the book, sexual abuse, and its long-term effects, age gap relationships and how people can be evil, but the 'lesser evil.’ We debated which storyline in the dual timeline was more action-packed—something hard to accomplish. Normally, we’re more interested in one storyline, We each were able to predict one of the twists, but we're stumped on the others and loved that there was more than one twist revealed. I was so impressed, I read Hillier’s JAR OF HEARTS. Recommended for those who enjoy a page-turning thriller with complex characters that you root for."
Menu: We made a Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe similar to what Paris makes towards the end of the book (she used pork instead of chicken). We were inspired by her description of how learning to cook was so special when she was going through such a dark time.
Lit Ladies Read: “We enjoyed this twisty, thriller/mystery. and had a very lively discussion! We had so much to discuss. We enjoyed the storytelling, shifting between past and present. and different points of view. This really helped to fully develop the characters. Although some predicted twists, we were still engrossed in the story and wanted to see how things played out.
“Our discussion centered around the characters and their relationships. One of our favorites was that between Jimmy and Paris and the highlight of our discussion was the relationship between Paris/Joey and Ruby. We disagreed about how adult Paris should have handled Ruby and decided that we had to agree to disagree about our feelings towards Paris, but we all agreed that this book was a hit for our group. The mystery is multi-layered, with deep characters. Many members put other books by this author on their ‘to be read’ list."
Thrillers by the Book Club, DFW: "This was our best GalleyMatch, perfect for our group and for book clubs that like dark and twisted mysteries“We all loved how the book started with a very intriguing and captivating scene Joey’s background was very interesting and her relationship with her mother was so toxic. There are a few mysteries in the story. Besides trying to find out if Paris murdered her husband, we’re also trying to work out Paris’ past, how did she go from living with an abusive unstable mother, who is now in prison, to living a wealthy life married to a famous celebrity? I enjoyed Paris’ past the most I loved the intensity in the chapters that focused on Paris’ childhood and upbringing. Ruby, her mother, was such an intriguing and complex character—a terrible mother, self-centered and irresponsible, which caused Paris a lot of pain and uncertainty. While a few members predicted the twist, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this dark and suspenseful story.”
Thrillers by The Book, Costa Mesa: “This was an excellent pick for our club! The majority liked or loved this one! Some said it was one of their favorite picks of the year. Many of the members enjoyed the mystery of learning about the murderer in the end, and the alternating timelines of the female main character. There were a variety of opinions about who committed the crime.”
CT Lit Book Club: "This was the perfect match for us! We have been craving a thriller and this was on all of our anticipated release lists. We all enjoyed the book, and were so excited to have a chance to preview it! We discussed how jam-packed this book was with plot points. There was much to hold your attention and give you room to try and predict what would happen. We loved how creative Hillier is— there is one scene in specific that was so creative and will leave us remembering the book forever! (hint hint, ice skates). Half of us had read another book by Hillier, and we all agreed that we want to read more Hiller titles."
The Ladies of Autumnwood, Grand Isle, New York, Mom and I Book Club of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, recommend:
THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT BY Lynda Cohen Loigman (St. Martin's Press, 9/20/22)
An intergenerational story about two women—a grandmother and granddaughter—who share the same incredible gift: the ability to identify soulmates
The Ladies of Autumnwood: We loved THE MATCHMAKER’S GIFT! Reading about Raskin’s pickles and the knish shops brought back wonderful memories of shopping at a pickle store in lower Manhattan barrels with barrels on the sidewalk and enjoying a great knish. These memories, among other topics, helped to round out our animated discussion last night. Members didn’t know much about ‘yentas’ or matchmakers and their role in creating Jewish courtship relations. We enjoyed learning about the bravery of the young girl, who beyond the fact that she was Jewish opened our eyes to the challenges of women, not unlike what some have to endure to break that glass ceiling today."
Menu: “We enjoyed Challah and red wine, and took home jars of pickles that I designed with a Raskin’s label.”
My Mom and I: “This pick was perfection. Not only did it match our love of magical realism but we agreed it’s the best book we’ve read this year. You found the perfect book for us!”
“We discussed magic, love, strong women, lovable characters, and the absolute beauty of the writing. We recommend this book to those who enjoy magical realism, foodie fiction, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. The author wrote a book that we treasure and we’re raving about it to everyone. This is a book that you feel like hugging at the end. We absolutely loved it. It’s a gem! “
Menu: "A smorgasbord! We had a blast capturing foods mentioned in the book lox and capers, cornichons— we decorated pickle jars with ‘The Pickle King’, as in the book. We had magical color-changing butterfly tea, as we wanted some magic to go with the story, and chocolate babka for dessert, like our beloved characters baked.
St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; Mom and I Book Club, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania; Pittsford Moms Book Club, Pittsford, New York, and Port Wine and Book Society Readers, Port Washington, Wisconsin recommend:
OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen (St Martins, Press, 8/30/22)
A novel about a young woman who claims her deceased mother's apartment in an island town, where she meets she meets quirky and secretive neighbors.
St. Louis Women’s Book Club: "A great match! We felt like this was the perfect mix of themes, giving us questions and a variety of topics to discuss. Having an arc made us feel like ‘VIPs’ to the publishing process. This novel was cozy, nostalgic, and heartfelt! Allen’s characters help redefine the word ‘family’ in the most beautiful way. We discussed the definition of home and chosen family, food as a love language —and inspiration for potlucks for book club!! The setting—so realistic and magical, the imagery of the birds and the meaning. OTHER BIRDS takes you on a magical journey of youth, delicately balancing both beauty and sadness. We recommend this book to clubs who are fans of magical realism. It was fuzzy, cozy --the perfect happy read."
Menu: "We made amazing foods to match the book: cornmeal air-fried tomatoes, potato chips on Hawaiian rolls, Mac & cheese, cornbread, Palomas, and marshmallow popcorn."
My Mom and I: "Thank you for a rare opportunity to preview our favorite author’s new book! Sarah Addison Allen's first novel GARDEN SPELLS introduced us to our favorite genre, magical realism. I saved the book for the perfect moment and then tore into it. After waiting eight years for her new book I knew I’d read it too quickly and, that’s what happened We are Italian and loved the ‘found family’ theme and 'food is love' philosophy running through the novel. We enjoyed the foodie talk, animals, ghosts, and magical elements. All characters and storylines were interesting and mysterious; sometimes beautiful, but sometimes ugly but always interesting. Several big reveals had us slack-jawed!
While OTHER BIRDS is a little sadder and darker than her previous works, the magic and the love and the beauty left the reader with a love of the characters and a belief that as the characters live beyond 'the end' of the book all turned out well for them. And you will want that because you will be left loving nearly everything about OTHER BIRDS! We recommend this to those who like magical realism and foodie fiction."
Menu: "Cornmeal marshmallow dishes based on a character: Fluffernutters (marshmallow whip and peanut butter sandwiches), tamale pie stuffed peppers, cornmeal sugar cookies, and marshmallow-flavored lip balm as a keepsake."
Pittsford Moms: "We had so much fun with OTHER BIRDS! We loved this found family story and all the special characters! The novel was a good fit for our club. We try to switch up genres/authors and most members like books with some magic realism elements. We felt it was an easy read and generally flew through the book - Thanks! kept our attention. We loved the story of found family, the characters, and their backgrounds. Books with paranormal/magic realism can be hit or miss for most members but they worked well with this story and added background and historical context for many of the characters. We had a great discussion about the twists and the characters' diverse backgrounds— we would have liked a little more depth to some characters that had very traumatic backgrounds. We recommend OTHER BIRDS to groups that enjoy a touch of magic realism and found family stories!”
Menu: "S’mores bars— the story takes place on Marsh Island and all restaurants in town have something marshmallow on their menu.”
Port Wine and Book Society: "A great match for our club! We recommend this enchanting story written from the heart, with interesting characters and subplots.”Zoey was such a delightful, open and honest young character— we all adored her. We liked how the story unfolded by hearing different characters' viewpoints in each chapter. The Dellawisps added fun and interest, some of us thought they may have stolen Charlotte's money. We loved the descriptions of Mallow Island - we live in a small tourist town in Wisconsin and really identified with that. The highlighted passages in Lizbeth’s copy of Sweet Mallow were ironic because she didn't live her life according to any of them - she was so stuck in the past it literally killed her. We enjoyed a unique story, quirky characters, and the theme of food as friendship/love."
Menu: “The detail around food was great! We made several dishes with corn or cornmeal to celebrate it: Polenta and shrimp, fresh corn salad, corn dip and corn chips, and popcorn.”
CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; KU Endowment, Lawrence, Kansas; and Girls Clubhouse, Auburn, California recommend
MIRROR GIRLS by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 2/22)
A gothic horror novel about twin sisters separated across the color line after the murder of their parents (YA historical fiction/ magical realism/fantasy).
CT Lit: “MIRROR GIRLS was a great discussion starter and the perfect book to read with a group. It took us out of our comfort zone and was eye-opening, a reminder that segregation is not so far in the past. We are transported to the South—and blatant racism —which as a group of white women living in Connecticut, we don't have experience with. We follow twin sisters Magnolia and Charlie, separated at birth—one raised as Black in New York City and one raised as white-passing in the Deep South— who learn the secret everyone has kept from them. The novel portrayed how indoctrinated people were, and in some cases ready to push racism aside when it would benefit them. We discussed how Charlie's view on life differs after growing up in the more liberal Harlem and compared it to growing up in Connecticut and traveling in different areas in the United States. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy Brit Bennett's THE VANISHING HALF.”
Page Ladies: "We all enjoyed this historical fiction with a paranormal twist that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The book offered many different topics, generating a nice discussion: the time period, the girls as individuals, their different upbringings and when they came together, the decision to separate them and not tell them about each other, and much more! A wonderful story about twin girls Charlie and Magnolia who were separated after their parents died for love across the color line and have no idea the other exists. Magnolia. raised in Georgia, is the white heiress to a cotton plantation. Charlie, raised in Harlem with her Nana, is a young Black organizer. When Charlie's grandmother falls ill, they return to Georgia. When the girls do meet Magnolia discovers her reflection has disappeared. They couldn’t be more different, but they will need each other to put the hauntings of the past to rest, break the mirrors’ deadly curse, and discover the meaning of sisterhood in a racially divided land. Seeing the girls come together to create that sisterly bond was wonderful, as is the writing, and pacing. The curse and the ghosts added an interesting twist to the story.”
Girls Clubhouse: "We all enjoyed MIRROR GIRLS and we tried to capture the supernatural aspect of the book with mirror images” Charlie and Magnolia both born in the South but separated at birth live separate lives but face the double threat of racism and ghosts. We discussed how ‘Colored Town ‘is equally foreign to both girls, despite being born there; contrasting with where they were each raised. Magnolia knows the rules of the general area, while Charlie knows how things are done —how stories are told, some traditions. The concept of the veil as the place between this world and the afterlife was used by the author also as the place between the white world and the colored world, which made this gothic story much more intriguing than if it had been singularly used. This forces both girls to examine who they are and what they are willing to live with. Members enjoy supernatural books, and the idea of ghosts to help guide the characters was appealing. We found it to be a ‘light’ supernatural read. We recommend to clubs who enjoy gothic young adult novels."
KU Endowment: "Everyone loved the book. Some members were pleasantly surprised by the way supernatural elements were combined with social commentary and realistic events. The author was able to shine a light on the atrocities of slavery and segregation without being heavy-handed and shows us a playbook for fighting back through the strong and determined sisters, Charlie and Magnolia. The past can haunt us but that doesn't mean it has to control us, and love will conquer hate. One member discussed the book with her 86-year-old mother, who shared memories of her experiences during segregation. We all felt hopeful and inspired by the book and loved the characters. We talked about what it would be like not to know your origins and what would inspire someone to fight against things they know are wrong when it could cost them everything. We recommend to those that enjoy strong characters, historical fiction, and being inspired."
The Revivals Book Club The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas; Zoom-Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma
THE CICADA TREE by Robert Gwaltney, Jr.
A novel about an 11-year-old, whisky-drinking, piano prodigy who encounters a wealthy family of supernatural beauty.
The Revivals: “Have we missed out on a genre of remarkable books or were we gifted a gem in a genre we might not have read? The debut novel THE CICADA TREE soared to the top of the 2022 best reads. We dare you not to highlight dozens of richly written sentences; our galleys are filled with colorful post-it notes. The discussion questions gave deeper insight into the themes and allegories we hadn’t considered. We agreed that the book fit into genres of southern gothic, magical realism, and coming-of-age. We explored biblical allegories: good and evil, Jesus, John the Baptist, Cain and Abel, plague, water, and fire. Once every 13 years, the cicadas emerge in tremendous numbers to mate and disrupt human life and comfort; some believe they hold our secrets. Gwaltney has a gift for bringing all together in an unforgettable book appealing to multiple genres and readers. We discussed how music and the song of the Cicadas featured prominently, and the writing allowed us to hear the music as the book’s climax approached. There are themes of coming-of-age, transformation, and rebirth. Gwaltney poetically foreshadows the storyline early as the story’s protagonist, a typical tween experiencing growing pains, insecurity, and self-recrimination sheds her childhood as a cicada does. Triumphing over evil, the novel reaches an angelic and lyrical end. There are as many ways to love this book as there are to interpret it–we dare you to read it! We all loved this novel.”
Menu: Iced Tea, Autumn Apple & Feta Salad, Watermelon Salad, Feta, Mint; Skillet Cheddar Cornbread, Southern Pecan Praline Cookies, Coffee on a garden patio.
Zoom-Chilly Thrillies: We had a great time reading and discussing THE CICADA TREE, a wonderful match that pushed us out of our comfort zone, with its unique blend of genres— historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. This was a unique story! We agreed it was unpredictable and gave much to discuss. Some words members shared to describe the writing style and story were: Gothic, descriptive, imaginative, twisted, mystical, humorous, innocent, and unpredictable! We were excited about the discussion and most finished it quickly-after the halfway point, unable to put it down.
"We discussed symbolism, class differences, racism, religion, southern culture, character motivations, and family relationships. and how the main character was looking up to a family she aspired to. We discussed our childhood oddities, raised by the mention of the character's liking the feel of pain. We enjoyed that it was told through a child's lens, while dark but the child's perspective ensured curiosity and humor even when horrifying things are happeningThe writing is creative and descriptive and made us think about things such as how you hear music in a new light. The ending was haunting and beautiful and there were many shocked reactions!
"We also discussed the movies or books we thought possibly influenced the author, including REBECCA, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and MEAN GIRLS., We are eager to read Gwaltney's next novel!"
Menu: “Iced tea was sipped!"
Famished for Fiction: “A wonderful opportunity to read a complex story with a bit of mystery and unexpected twists and turns. Our group is diverse, and open to new and different genres, and appreciated the opportunity to discover this book. We discussed the focus of music and its impact on the progression of the story. Music is a major theme throughout the piece, whether it is the music Mr. Mayfield had composed for his wife or the musical virtuosity of the Mayfield children. We explored the cicada's presence: cicadas are seasonal and burrow in the ground, so they are equivalent to all of the secrets that are buzzing around the town of Providence, connecting the Mayfields to Etta Mae and Analeise, and the link between their molting and the growing pains the main characters are experiencing.”
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Books and Brew, Allendale, Michigan; Carrollton Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas;
BluStocking Literacy Society, West Allis, Wisconsin
THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET by Sara Ackerman (Mira, 8/22)
A brilliant female code breaker and a pilot on a top-secret mission come together in this dazzling story of love and intrigue set during America’s darkest hour.
Ranch Readers: Our book club enjoyed this book as we read a non-fiction WWII book about codebreakers and many have traveled to Hawaii so both the theme and setting are familiar. The storyline was realistic and we enjoyed the dual timelines with relevance at the end of the book when the characters are planting a memorial garden on the plantation. We discussed our mother's vital roles during the war, such as working in a war plant, how women were disregarded and treated as second-class citizens, and the situations where the same treatment happens today.We discussed our Hawaiian travels: topography, lava fields, ocean conditions, and coffee plantations. Those that have visited the Mauna Kea Hotel described it. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy historical fiction and WWII stories.”
Menu: “Banana chocolate chip cake/ banana pudding topping, tropical fruit salad, Huli-huli Chicken.”
BluStocking Literacy Society: “A perfect match! We enjoy historical fiction/mystery that pulls us in and we all anticipated the discussion. We discussed the timeline and connections between the two eras, and the uncertainty that women codebreakers felt reflected by Lu as she struggles to establish herself as a journalist. Isabel walked a line between expressing her intelligence and thoughts and second-guessing herself and stepping back. It was fascinating to consider women in a secret intelligence role and the obstacles they had to overcome.”
Menu: "Wacky Cake, a classic chocolate cake born of necessity for WWII rationing.”
Carrollton Book Buddies: “A brilliant female codebreaker. An ‘unbreakable’ Japanese naval code. A pilot on a top-secret mission that could change the course of WWII. My book club loved THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET! The dual timeline novel is set in Hawaii. We enjoyed discussing the amazing roles women played in World War ll. While most of us decided we'd have been secretaries, one member thought the radar plotter sounded like a fit. We appreciated that there were those that worked as mechanics, pilots ferrying planes, medics, and of course, the codebreakers! The Dungeon where the codebreakers worked and the men in charge were a hot topic-the smoke, the drinking, the snobbery, all appalling. Just the thought of approaching the stairs and entering drew lots of remarks! We read the author's explanation of the difference between codes and ciphers and concluded the codebreakers were brilliant! We discussed survivor's guilt, the way Germans, Italians, and the Japanese were treated here in the states, and men in power and misuse of that power. We appreciated the way the threads were all tied up by the ending, though a surprise. The stunning descriptions of the Mauna Kea Hotel and the surroundings have us all wishing for a trip to Hawaii. We appreciated the brilliant, unique roles of women in war."
Menu: "We met at tropical Tommy Bahamas restaurant for a chopped salad with shrimp, coconut shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Tacos. Tropical beverages included. Cloud Coconut Martinis and Jalapeno Margaritas."
Books and Brew: "The story takes place in 1943 and 1965. It's 1943, and Isabel Cooper, who has lost her older brother in the attack on Pearl Harbor, is working as a code breaker, solving Japanese naval codes. Isabel seizes an opportunity to solve codes in Hawaii to locate her brother’s friends and learn about his life. In Hawaii, she stumbles into a life-changing mystery. In 1965, aspiring journalist Lu Freitas is traveling to the Mauna Kea Hotel for its grand opening, when she befriends a famous woman. When her new friend disappears, Lu investigates and soon uncovers a missing link to the past. We discussed women in history, World War II, the relationship between the main character to her friend and her brother's friends, her internal struggle, and women's roles during the war. I was so grateful to have received this book early for my book club! I was so immersed in the characters and their story, I couldn't put it down! Five stars!"
Reading is My Cardio, Smithfield, Rhode Island; Bookish Ladies, Coto De Caza, California; Next Chapter, Leesburg, Virginia
SIX DAYS IN ROME by Francesca Giacco (Grand Central, 5/22)
A young artist travels to Rome to heal a broken heart, where she confronts loneliness and intimacy, rage and desire in this debut novel.
Reading is My Cardio: "We adored this lyrical and atmospheric debut! It was refreshing to read a book with realistically flawed characters and where not everything gets tied up in a perfect bow. This character-driven story explores relationships in so many forms - family, romantic, and with one's self - and the writing is just beautiful. Truly a perfect book for summer, transporting us to Rome for a captivating six days. We discussed how this isn't a book with a lot of plot and yet it kept us interested throughout. We loved the writing and many of us highlighted passages that we shared and discussed, and the group also touched on whether we'd be able to travel solo as the main character did. Another subject that came up was how the narrative is almost stream of consciousness which some of our group enjoyed more than others. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy being transported to another place and appreciate character-driven books about self-discovery."
Menu: "Italian-themed cocktail party featuring charcuterie, Aperol Spritzes, and a gelato bar for dessert."
Bookish Ladies: "SIX DAYS IN ROME was beautifully written We enjoyed the food and descriptions around Rome! We loved how the book was written in terms of description and character development. It was a lighter, summer read. We felt l the character had a lot to work out but she never quite figured out what it was so there were a lot of questions left up for interpretation."
Menu: Italian rosé, homemade flatbreads with Italian pesto, mozzarella, fresh basil, aged balsamic, and roasted tomatoes.
Next Chapter: “Everyone agreed that Francesca Giacco's writing was beautiful,—and it was fun to read her book looking for food and drink that members can make and enjoy at book club! Emilia heads off on a six-day trip to Rome—it was supposed to be a romantic trip with her then-boyfriend Michael. but that’s not possible as he is married! With six days in Rome, Emilia will have time to reflect on why it wouldn’t work, why she deserves better, and time to enjoy the food and wine on her trip. We discussed what we thought happened to Michael: we had differing opinions to whether he had died or was with someone else or married. During her trip, she reflects on her relationship with her father and brother, and has lots of yummy food and drink throughout. We were happy that she met someone new and Emilia Is able to focus on herself and her art. Her six days in Rome weren’t what she had planned when she booked the trip, but sometimes better things come out of bad situations. Ah, the magic of Italy! One of our members took her book to Rome and shared photos."
Menu: “We enjoyed Aperol Spritz cocktails, a charcuterie board, tiramisu, and wine-soaked grapes”.
THE GOOD SISTER by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 2021)
A psychological thriller about the lies that bind two sisters.
Peoria Book Rack: “We agreed it was fast-paced and a quick read. The story keeps you guessing as you try to figure out the family dynamic between sisters Rose and Fern. the journals, their relationship with the mom, the twists! We also discussed Hepworth's versatility as an author. She has a solid list of backlist books that many of us are excited to check out! We recommend for book clubs that enjoy family thrillers.”
Thrillers by the Book: “Everyone loves Sally Hepworth, and this was a favorite! A likable main character and a fun story. We talked about representation in books, and the importance of character-driven books, and how her writing style is relatable and easy to read."
Novels N Latte: “Perfect for our club. We love good twisted family dynamics, and this sister story gave us a lot to discuss, including Fern's autism spectrum and which was actually the good sister.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, East Lawrence High School Book Club of Trinity, Alabama, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, and North Wales Area Library Book Club, Pennsylvania
DARK AND SHALLOW LIES by Ginny Myers Sain (Penguin Teen, 2021)
A supernatural thriller about a teen girl who disappears from her small town deep in the bayou, where magic festers beneath the surface of the swamp.
Reckless Readers: The story hooked the teens— they enjoyed the love story and the witchy aspect, and our adult readers also loved the book. We included teen daughters who wanted to join, and teachers and librarians in the group who wanted to preview it before ordering for their locations. A few of them have not read YA books, so it was a nice and unexpected change for them. We liked the Southern setting, and how the author submerged us in Bayou. From gigantic gators ( Willie Nelson) to psychic abilities, shapeshifter, and Aurora readers, this book is a full experience. The end was shocking and fit the story. We recommend this book for those that enjoy a hint of magic within a southern setting.
Menu: "Southern delights mentioned in the book: Honey’s Pralines, Willie Nelson’s Gator Piss cocktail—with Midori, lime juice, rum, sweet & sour mix, and seltzer—Cajun wings and shrimp dip."
North Wales Area Library: “Our group had one of the best discussions we can remember!”This was an excellent selection and discussion. The book brought the Louisiana bayou setting to life. One member was raised in the area and she especially thought the setting description was spot on. The group wondered why the word ‘shallow’ was included in the title: The lies did not seem shallow. We debated the killer, books were pulled out and theories shared. The hurricane preparation made for interesting reading. We discussed why an outside investigation might not have happened. All said they would read another Sain book and looked forward to the next book in the series. We hope to have our adult group discuss DARK AND SHALLOW LIES with our teen book club! Our group rates books with 1-5 stars. The lowest rating in the group was 4.5! We recommend this book to clubs who enjoy reading outside of the box.”
ELHS Book Club: “Thank you for providing yet another wonderful book for our students! We discussed the setting bayous, swamps, cypress trees, alligators, shrimp boats and houses on stilts. The author did an excellent job painting a picture for the reader. We also discussed mental illness which is woven into the plot through a couple of characters via subtle behaviors and downright craziness.
Menu: jambalaya, gumbo, and pistolette rolls.
Book Club Girls: “Don't be turned away by the YA label, this book is for all ages. It was completely off our radar as far as genre, and many readers gave it five stars, and couldn't believe it was a debut novel. One member stayed up until 5 am to finish— she just had to know the end! The writing was fantastic. We discussed the book is marketed as a YA title, however, NONE of us are near that demographic We felt the characters could be aged up to the 30s and 40' and still make sense—they were just as vital to the storyline as the plot. We felt the novel touched on mystery and supernatural themes but also the deep-rooted impact of emotional trauma that shapes us. We discussed how keeping secrets buried for so many years by everyone caused so much heartache and pain. If truths were told from the start, what would the lives of the children have been like?? A great evening with lots of thoughtful discussions and fun had by all."
Menu: Hurricane Punch, crawfish, gator bites, cajun fried catfish, and cornbread.
Lit Ladies Read Book Club of Melbourne, Florida and Thrillers by the Book of Costa Mesa, California
THE YOUNGER WIFE by Sally Hepworth, (St. Martins Press, 4/22)
A new novel of domestic suspense that delves into a tangled web of family secrets, and lies.
Lit Ladies Read: "We loved this book and had a great discussion, which centered on the theme of perceived reality. We had a great debate about whether Stephen was actually an abuser or just misunderstood. The epilogue raised more questions than provided answers. Our group had varying opinions depending on which character’s perspective we were discussing. We all enjoyed the ambiguous nature of the ending and agreed it was very clever. It was a lot of fun to discuss our own opinions and debate what we believed to be the truth. Some of our members took the book at face value, while others questioned what we had read and what we believed to be the truth.
"We liked how the story was told with alternating points of view and followed along easily when the perspective changed. The book dealt with some serious topics but was written in a very light-hearted way that made it a quick enjoyable read."
Menu: “Heather would have been proud! We met at a country club, in true Aston fashion. We had Mahi tacos and quesadillas in honor of Rachel and Darcy’s first date.”
Thrillers by the Book: "A perfect match! We’re big fans of Sally Hepworth! We loved the intriguing vibe the author created by not revealing right away who was involved in the accident from the opening scene. The story is based on many factors, dysfunctional family dynamics, abusive relationships, addiction, mental issues, and so many juicy secrets. We enjoyed Sally’s writing style and the characters she created. Sally has a way of making her characters very relatable and down to earth. We also enjoyed how she connected a piece of her real-life to one of the scenes in this book. Some of the secondary characters seemed to love Stephen but Heather and his kids suspect him of being abusive. The ending left us wondering if Stephen was in actual fact abusive. The women around him suffered a lot of 'accidents' but it’s never clear if they were really accidents or intentional. We recommend this title for book clubs that enjoy a family drama with a hint of suspense. Thank you for spoiling our book club!"
Page Ladies of Cleveland, Ohio, Bibliobibuli of San Diego, California, and HAH Reading Club of Kaukama, Wisconsin
THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY by Sherri L. Smith ((Penguin Young Readers, 2//20)
From the award-winning author of Flygirl comes this powerful WWII romance between two Japanese teens caught in the cogs of an unwinnable war.
Page Ladies: “Thank you for sharing this amazing, compelling, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking story about life in Japan during World War II. We were surprised by how much research went into it, and we are always interested in books that can teach us something. The story switches between Taro and Hana's perspectives so we see two sides of the story and what each experienced. Could we imagine being Hana, having to take care of the kamikaze pilots and then say goodbye to them, knowing that they will more than likely die? We talked about Hana and the pilot—how they felt at the beginning of the book versus the end— as well as the choices that surprised us and whether we would do the same. This was an emotional read and the pace moves well with the story."
Bibliobibuli: “Our members enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY, and our chat with author Sherri Smith was especially enjoyable. The novel is a fictionalized account of young kamikaze pilots and the teen-aged girls who provided platonic camaraderie and emotional support to them during World War II. Smith employs lyrical prose to introduce the reader to war-torn Japan and the youth culture that rallied around Emperor Hirohito. We appreciated learning more about the Japanese perspective on World War II. Hana’s disparaging remarks about Americans made us realize that we had never heard from the youth of Japan about the events of the war."
HAH Reading Club: We really enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY and its different perspectives on World War II We discussed how the novel reminded us of the current situation with the Ukrainian and Russian war. The author talked about remembering so it doesn’t happen again, and we discussed how emotional we felt about the abuse, propaganda, and conditioning that happened to prepare the civilians and boys for the war.
We compared how the reading of trauma and the emotional impact, ranges based on the age of the reader. We discussed the comparison of how being ready for death in a moment you can’t control, such as a reaction to an air raid, and the premeditated preparation of the pilots to body-crash was handled and how the author gave us both views. We also found how the invasion was perceived after all the preparations made to fight to the death as the expectation from the government. We recommend this novel to clubs looking for an emotional experience with a dive into other cultures."
Boys Book Club, San Jose California; Between the Lines, Woolwich, New Jersey Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
GENEVA by Richard C. Armitage (Pegasus 10/23)
A bold and unpredictable debut thriller set in Switzerland's biotech world (and deceptive beauty), by acclaimed actor Richard Armitage.
Boys Book Club:“ We enjoyed GENEVA, a page-turner! We found ourselves engrossed in a discussion about the complex themes in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, global intrigue, and the chilling notion of brain implants that seem all too real. These topics and the ethical dilemmas presented in the book sparked an interesting conversation. We enjoyed the characters and the author’s vivid descriptions. Those who listened to the audio version narrated by Richard Armitage, Nicola Walker, and Jane Perry highly recommended it.
Menu: “Cheese fondue, Toblerone chocolate. Two beers: Forgotten Thoughts and Stranger than Fiction"
Reading Between the Wines: “GENEVA was a great match for our book club. We love reading mysteries and thrillers and this fast-paced thriller set in Geneva, Switzerland in the world of biotech research, had some great red herrings to keep us interested and intrigued. We discussed the biotech world and the ethics surrounding new discoveries. We also discussed the dynamics between Sarah and her husband Daniel, and how her career as a Nobel prize-winning scientist affected their relationship We enjoyed discussing GENEVA!. Lots of red herrings and a great twist kept the conversation going!"
Menu: "Chocolate fondue with fruit and cookies, cheese fondue and bread, mulled wine, and Toblerone!"
Between the Lines: "We were wowed that GENEVA is Richard’s debut novel—the last 20 minutes of the book had us on the edge of our seats!”-“We all enjoyed, this fast-paced thriller read. GENEVA dives into Alzheimer’s, family dynamics, and the biotech industry. It was a roller coaster ride. We have family members with medical illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and we’re interested in the biotech part of the story. We loved the ending and couldn’t get over how it unfolded—it was our favorite part. We recommend GENEVA to book clubs that enjoy a heart-pumping, edge-of-your-seat ending. Richard Armitage narrates the male POV, so get the audio and give your ears a true treat."
Menu: "Fondue with Swiss cheese, as book is set in Switzerland"
Romancing the Hearthstone, Rogers Arkansas; Happy Bookers, Linn, Missouri; Legacy Literary Ladies, The Villages, Florida
STREET CORNER DREAMS by Florence Reiss Kraut (SheWrites, 11/23)
A novel about Golda, who comes to America yearning for independence before World War I, but tosses aside her dreams of freedom and marries her widowed brother-in-law after her sister dies giving birth to their son.
Romancing the Hearthstone: “We all gave STREET CORNER DREAMS five stars!. We adored it. Most members couldn’t put it down and read it in two days. They loved the writing style and commented that the pacing was great for historical fiction— a page-turner. This was a wonderful story told from the perspective of an immigrant. The novel made us feel so grateful for what we have. The discussion centered on how weak Ben was and how strong Goulda and Sarah were. Members were invested in this story and wanted a sequel to know what happens to Morty.”
Legacy Literary Ladies: “Most members enjoyed STREET CORNER DREAMS from the onset, but ended up loving the novel. As the characters developed, the story was very believable, and I hated to see it end, with engaging twists and turns. It is an emotionally charged story that reads easily and is well crafted. A vivid portrayal of the immigrant experience with believable, vivid. characters and an engaging story that we all felt a connection to.
Menu: Potato latkes
Happy Bookers: "STREET CORNER DREAMS was full of historical events, family drama with struggles, perseverance, and romance. The surprises and twists in various storylines kept our discussion going!"-The characters will long live in our reading memories: Golda, Ben, Morty, Anna, Sylvia, Surah, and Esther. The difficulties and struggles of these immigrants as they faced the events of the Great Depression, the Spanish Flu, and World War 1 provide an influx of social history surrounding their lives. It was intriguing to read the family mysteries surrounding those characters, who are working toward their dreams, as they work through their difficulties and challenges. Which loves will prevail amidst the pressures of war, the gangs, and economic factors of the day as they work to make their way in their new land?
We didn’t know much about the gangs of New York. Families and businesses faced many obstacles and were targeted by gang threats of paying protection fees to survive. A main discussion topic was comparing our lives and advantages to the hardships of our nation's newcomers. We wondered if we could withstand the modes of travel, lack of communication and job opportunities, and health crises with limited care with the same fortitude."
Menu: "Anna’s uncle Tony’s deli-inspired bread, salami, and Swiss cheese. We meet on the opening night of the Osage View restaurant overlooking beautiful rolling hills that many immigrants years ago came upon in settling in our county.
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Lit Happens, California, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Missouri
THE FARMER'S WIFE by Helen Rebanks (Harper Horizon, 9/23)
An honest portrait of rural life and an authentic exploration of both the hard work and reward of keeping a home and raising a family.
Ranch Readers: We loved this memoir and felt it was rare in that it was raw and practical. It made us remember our own trials and tribulations of courtship, career choice, having babies, and the hard work of being a mother and supportive wife. Although Helen experienced many changes in lifestyle she ultimately realized being a wife and mother were the most important aspects of her life and those choices made her the happiest. We enjoyed the recipes she so effortlessly executed, and we felt almost like a family member, getting to know the various individuals she wrote about so intimately and from her heart. A few members spoke about the long hours of work and almost constant attention needed to maintain farm animals that farming involves, and how every member of the family has to contribute to maintaining a farm, the loneliness they often experienced by living isolated on a large farm as children, but also the joys of sharing the rebirth every spring of the farm animals' young and planting season being completed. They also remembered the joys of harvest season when other farmers would gather to help each other and then celebrate by sharing a large meal together. We all enjoyed reading about how food and cooking were important to the author and spoke about the recipes we wanted to try as we discussed the book. We also discussed how family farms contribute the most to preserving sustainable practices and how important it is to support farmers, shepherds, and ranchers. The memoir encouraged us to think about writing our own life stories and including favorite family recipes. Recommended for those who enjoy reading honest memoirs, and being a wife and mother.”
Menu: “Helen's Lentil and Tomato Soup before our discussion--it was so delicious!—and her Lemon Drizzle Cake for dessert”
The Revivals: "We enjoy cooking and this book presented a wonderful opportunity for us to share our kitchen prowess by each of us preparing one or two dishes that came together as a shared dinner; family dinners being a priority for Helen. We discussed Helen's unique art and her enjoyment of creating a comfortable family home. We agree with Helen and share her enjoyment of home-cooked meals and family mealtimes. We discussed our own comfort levels with home births and marveled at Helen's thoughtfully made choices with her second child. We cheered for Helen when she perfectly described the many hats a stay-at-home mom wears and the feelings accompanying that life path. While possibly not given enough attention in the book, Helen writes with personal insight on the food choices we all should be paying more attention to and the farmers who provide our life-sustaining food. In clear and concise few short paragraphs, Helen has enlightened us on the importance of sustainable farming systems that encourage ‘good food from good farming.’. We recommend this book to those who enjoy coming of age, home cooking, memoirs, and women's studies. "
Menu: “Members chose and recreated recipes from the book: Smoked salmon rectangles, hummus and pita chips, frittata, field mushroom soup and croutons, easy chocolate cake, and panettone(bread and butter) pudding.”
Get Woke: "A magical evening! In honor of THE FARMER’S WIFE, and farm-to-table eating, we partnered with the Pleasant Grove Pizza- where host Emily creates unique pizzas with local and seasonal food, which enriched our discussion and palate. Rebanks reflects on her life revealing family struggles and relationships, the challenges of motherhood, and the stigma of honoring ‘small domestic things’ She champions the importance of the daily grind of domesticity. Her thoughts are enhanced by sketches, and family recipes are sprinkled throughout the book.
Chapter by Chapter Book Club of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri; Words!Women!Wine! of Brookfield, Wisconsin
THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY by Katherine A. Sherbrooke (Pegasus Books, 4/23)
The story of a runway model in 1940s Hollywood who makes a split-second decision intended to protect those she loves but triggers a cascade of secrets that threatens to upend her daughter’s life decades later.
Chapter by Chapter: "THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY was a great match. We really enjoy historical fiction and several members commented that they enjoyed the glimpse behind the scenes of the fashion industry in Hollywood. We were interested in how their lifestyle judged those involved in fashion and industry. Several members had read THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO and talked about the similarities between the two books. Told from the perspective of mother/daughter protagonists in dual time periods on opposite coasts, this one kept me turning the page late into the night. I didn’t expect to be so absorbed, but I highly recommend this read!"
Menu: "As a nod to Benny’s meatballs, our potluck included meatball pizza. Our drink was Caramel Apple Cider—a nod to the Berkshires, which was referenced in the novel."
Happy Bookers: “From the fabulous cover to the title to the main character’s name, we were intrigued! When we learned that the book was inspired by the author‘s mother, it added even more interest. THE HIDDEN LIFE OF ASTER KELLY is a story of secrets, of decisions, and the consequences of those decisions, with surprising twists and entanglements that kept us reading to learn how the mother’s choices impact her daughter’s life. Learning about Hollywood particularly the fashion, and glamour of 1940s Hollywood to 1970s Broadway was fascinating. Our conversation focused on the difficulty of life-altering decisions and their outcomes. We discussed the bonds of the chosen family and the strength of love and loyalty. An interesting point was how the story involved a coming of age for both Aster and her daughter Lissy. Choices involving Lissy’s Broadway and Noah’s music careers gave us much to talk about. And no one saw a big twist coming! I have since listened to several of the author's interviews and love her background story for this book. We look forward to reading more of her books. We recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction about Hollywood, Broadway, and family drama."
Menu: “Our versions of Benny’s homemade meatballs and soup. When served, we commented on how this was the ultimate comfort food for this story.”
Words!Women!Wine!: "We all enjoyed this book and the strong female protagonists and both timeline plots. We had a great discussion with many viewpoints. We discussed Sam and Aster's relationship. Both characters seemed to have conflicting feelings, although the relationship had some redeeming qualities One member noted that Aster had made so many fabrications about her life, it was hard to keep her secrets straight. It was as if the fabrications were woven into her background, much like her early desire to be a fashion designer. Many of us liked that Aster moved from clothing to sculpture and felt that was a well-developed plot line.
We all agreed that the love story of Fernando and Benedict/Christopher was the best in the book. We discussed it must have been for gay celebrities in the 40s & 50s and even still today. We had not heard of the term ' avender scare’ which led us into a discussion of discrimination and profits and politics. It was interesting to us that both females fixated on their one true love - even though initially they both let them go. Many of us thought it was predictable that Christopher/Benny would die after the lead-up to that scene, but we were all shocked in the end that the death had been fake. We had a lot of discussions around the death, funeral, and new stories. Suggested for clubs that enjoy a female-centered novel with a lot of relationships and secrets.
Menu: "Prosecco and shrimp cocktail (very Hollywood) and followed that with a "Tivoli dinner of caesar salad, penne & meatballs. We had an Italian Love cake for dessert! "
St. Louis Lit Book Club, Missouri; Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Angry Book Club, Norwich, Connecticut
THE INTERN by Michele Campbell, (St. Martin’s Press, 10/23)
A young Harvard law student falls under the spell of a charismatic judge in this timely and thrilling novel about class, ambition, family, and murder.
St. Louis Lit Book Club: “As fall nears the perfect book to pick up is a thriller like THE INTERN, which was interesting from the beginning. and the action was not far-fetched, which was nice for a thriller. Having two points of view allowed our book club to choose which characters we liked most and why. There were many characters to keep track of, which added layers to the discussion. Legal thrillers were new to some, and the reaction was positive to receiving a new type of book we may not have otherwise picked. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers, and multi-character stories. and fast-paced mysteries."
Angry Book Club: We enjoyed THE INTERN! We are known for being pretty critical (hence the anger) but this book got thumbs up, and we especially enjoyed the end! This book had me turning pages, especially with the switched perspectives! There was much conversation about Madison’s indecisiveness, which annoyed some members, while others thought it made her more relatable. We also discussed whether Katherine was smart enough to escape her situation without taking the steps she did. Several of us live near, or have spent time in Boston, and really enjoyed the Boston descriptions and mentions of real restaurants and places —the characters actually drink Dunkin, take the T (and get off at real stops), and live in areas of the city that make sense. This led to a great discussion about books that successfully create a sense of place and the joy of reading books about places we have lived. Recommended for those who enjoy legal thrillers.
Melanie's Book Club: "We all loved THE INTERN. It was a great match for our book club because it's rare for us to find a book that we all enjoy and this was that book! We had an excellent discussion about the book, specifically talking about the relationships among the characters in the book- and how they affected their decision-making. Being from the Midwest, we couldn't really relate to the mob connections, but we could relate to family difficulties and making difficult decisions regarding family members We had many discussions about our families and the different relationships, troubles, and decisions. We know each other well, but it was interesting to learn more and refreshing to hear that all families have issues and work through them in different ways. Recommended for those who enjoy conflict, suspense, and deciding how far you'll go to protect your family."
The Famished for Fiction Book Club of Frisco, Texas, Flagstaff Ladies Book Club, Arizona, Boozy Books Book Club and Kaukauna Wisconsin
YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 5/23)
A YA novel about Harriet Douglass, a teenager living with her historian father on a plantation turned enslaved people's museum, who must handle her feelings of anger when an actress who purchased the plantation next door, plans to turn it into an event venue.
Famished for Fiction: “We loved this multilayered story. The magnitude of all the things affecting Harriet led to a lot of thoughtful discussion. We gave it 5/5 stars!"
The setting of the book reminded us of Whitney Plantation in South Louisiana. We discussed the struggle that exists between the beauty of the plantation homes and grounds the acknowledgment of the horrors of slavery and the pain and suffering of the enslaved people that were forced against their will to build those homes and maintain those grounds. Is it possible to be in awe of those beautiful places and yet heartbroken by the pain that surrounds them?
The importance of seeing both sides of a story and acknowledging them is what leads to improvement in our relationships with people who are different from ourselves. Harriett spent much time caring for herself as her father was unable to do more than the bare minimum after the death of her mother. Harriett's anger with outsiders' inability to see, acknowledge, and respect the purpose of a landmark such as their plantation. We recommend this book to those who enjoy thought-provoking reads that have a different perspective from the 'norm. We are a diverse group of women who enjoy thought-provoking books that enhance our discussion and this was a great fit."
Menu: Down South Kitchen and Bakery for Southern food
Boozy Books: "Thank you for the match! We might not have read YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY otherwise. When a book makes you cry it’s automatically a great book .We liked the mix of the main character's naïveté and cynicism as the book progresses. We discussed toxic parenting and our perceptions of the adults, the character’s adjustments as they navigate issues, our appreciation of having a flawed main character, and the grace given to Layla but not the white friends she grew up with. We were interested in the 17-year-old perspective—and all the current social issues and cultural references, such as TikTok. 'What’s up with teen/middle school boys and frogs' stood out as an amusement.
We recommend this novel to clubs who enjoy contemporary social issue books, or DEAR MARTIN or THE HATE YOU GIVE.”
Flagstaff Ladies: “We all enjoyed this novel, which spurred much discussion about the South (none of us grew up there), plantations, tourist rentals, grief, and growing up a person of color in today's America. We also liked the main character because Harriet is such a teenager —more than half of us are moms of girls).
We live in a tourist town, so though the housing isn't all historic, there are wealthy outsiders who have second homes here, so the way Harriet bristles at the new neighbors resonated. The way she also kind of liked the new girl and determined she was human was also something a few of us could identify with. And her anger issues...not unfamiliar! It was a great trait to give Harriet, and we talked a bit about our own struggles with rage, as well as dealing with others who have trouble controlling theirs.
We have a significant Native-American presence in our city, so that is where we see discrimination, disrespect, and racism crop up, and we had a great discussion about how as women, we also see (and experience) these micro- or upfront- aggressions more readily than our male partners. We also discussed being in a bit of a bubble because it is a small city, and there are no obvious monuments to discrimination that we would drive by all the time (on the nearby reservation, yes). The discussion about grief was also interesting -- how do you remember your loved ones? Do you remember their last days or the rest of their lives? We had a debate about Dawn and what we would have thought about our daughters dating him, or a friend dating their childhood buddy. We liked him but realized we would have been protective of Harriet because she was not very savvy about relationships. We thought the story was well-written and it was nice that it didn't end with everything neatly resolved -- that was realistic. Recommended for those who enjoy novels about young adults, the South, and that discuss racism."
Menu: "One of our group stopped at fast food on the way to book club. Shout out to Harriet's dad!"
The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Woodlands Lunch and Books, Woodlands, Texas Get Woke, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado "
CHASING THE PANTHER: Adventures and Misadventures of a Cinematic Life Carolyn Pfeiffer with Gregory Collins (Harper Horizon, 6/23)
Film producer and early Hollywood female coming-of-age memoir, set against the backdrop of Fellini's Rome, French New Wave Paris, and Swinging London.
Get Woke: "CHASING THE PANTHER reads like a novel: encounters with the rich and famous; travels to exotic cities and countries, experiences, and success as a pioneering film producer and PR representative. We called Pfeiffer the ‘female Forrest Gump’'–Readers travel on a high-speed train rocketing through Pfeiffer’s coming-of-age adventures as she explores NYC and Europe during the turbulent 1960s-‘70s amidst the significant cultural shifts and the ascendance of the film industry. Pfeiffer vividly describes the art, culture, and society of post-war Europe and New York City. Her insights into the actors and film industry were fascinating. The film industry's growth is part of a larger story involving changing attitudes and paradigm shifts of the post-war years, a time when many of us also came of age. The introduction of the birth control pill and Pfeiffer’s romantic encounters mirrored the cultural changes. Book club invitations featured film strips. members were asked to become film directors: and select highlights from the book for a film preview. We discussed the changing role of women and Pfeiffer’s lifetime goal of ‘pushing boundaries’. She felt you had to ‘leave yourself behind’ to discover uniqueness. We were drawn to her comments on women’s status: the expectation that a woman’s role was to be worthy of a man. Her reply resonated: ‘Let no one ever call me worthy.’ Pfeiffer challenged the attitudes of patriarchy, the power of men, and the sensuality of women. Her adventures allowed us to experience the paradigm shifts occurring in the world—positive and negative We agreed her talents, opportunities, and personality allowed her to take advantage of this era, and the difficulty of duplicating this experience today."
Menu: "Honoring her European adventures: Caprese skewers, olives, goat cheese & figs, Pinot Grigio."
The Revivals: “CHASING THE PANTHER covers so many points of interest that it was easy for us to chat all the way through dessert!" We took turns reading and discussing Carolyn's numerous life reflections and insights - we highlighted dozens of quotes. We marveled at Carolyn's remarkable and brave life as she fearlessly pursued her goals. It felt like two books in one: Carolyn's honest and heartfelt observations about her experiences, and a comprehensive cinematic timeline from Europe to the United States. We focused on the former, but scholars will find a valuable resource in the cinematic narrative. As Pfeiffer discussed celebrities, producers, and directors— at times this overwhelmed us, but we are not familiar with the industry and these details were a first exposure. We enjoyed Carolyn's numerous life reflections. GalleyMatch has inspired us to read books we would not have known about and/or genres we would not have selected on our own."
Menu: "Lunch overlooking the lake with multicultural appetizers: Baba ganoush with toasted pita bread (a nod to Omar Sharif); Beet and goat cheese dip with assorted fresh vegetables (Market Fresh Vegetables like one would shop for in France), Avocado chicken salad with jicama and peperoncini peppers on a bed of lettuce with French baguette (A nod to Italy) Dessert:-Lemon buttermilk ice cream with black currant jam and sugar cone."
Woodlands Lunch and Books: "A good match for It is interesting to read about lives so different from our own and we enjoyed this coming-of-age story. In a world of cinematic greats, it was fun to read some of the portrayals from Carolyn’s perspective. A member commented that reading the book made them want to see Doctor Zhivago and another mentioned that they loved Omar Sharif even more after reading the book. There was a discussion of a disturbing scene in the book and many were disappointed at the actor involved. We also enjoyed the descriptions of some of the locales throughout Europe that we knew. As Carolyn discovered herself through the many ups and downs of her early life, it was fascinating to watch her independence shine, especially with Suso d’Amico supporting her career choices. A few members were unfamiliar with numerous names and had to search online for them. Those that enjoy biographies and memoirs, especially of old Hollywood would enjoy this book."
Ranch Readers: "We recall the 1950s and '60s and thoroughly enjoyed CHASING THE PANTHER—the people, films, and occasions were familiar to us, making it a delightful read.
We found Ms. Pfeiffer's memoir exceptionally captivating and thought-provoking. It provided a glimpse into the golden era of cinema behind the scenes. We sympathized with her misfortunes and rejoiced in her successes as a self-sufficient and accomplished woman. We remember the movie era when Carolyn began her career and those she met and interacted with throughout. Although it seemed she lived a fairy tale life, Carolyn faced traumatic events she recounted with candor. Her strength and determination allowed her to overcome adversity and lead a fulfilling artistic life. Her memoir offers a glimpse into the world of fame and fortune in the film industry and a raw, honest portrayal of her struggles and triumphs.
The images added to our enjoyment—several members remembered having photos of Omar Sharif on their bedroom walls as teenagers. We discussed our recollections of the era that Carolyn described, including the films, directors, and producers she mentioned. Despite the notable progress made in women's rights, we realized many obstacles Carolyn faced still endure. The consensus was that success in the film industry depends on connections, and we were impressed by her ability to form relationships with influential figures, and that she was able to rise above her tragedies with grace and not let them deter her from living her best life. Recommended for readers who enjoy a memoir full of experiences more interesting than fiction and film history."
Menu: "Italian cookies that were a tribute to Carolyn's adventures in Italy."
Junior League Book Club of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Spectacles Book Club, Geneva, Ohio, and Hagerstown Housewives, Hagerstown, Maryland
NO TWO PERSONS by Erica Bauermeister (St. Martin's Press, 5/2/23)
A novel about the ways in which one book transforms its readers' lives.
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “Every member loved NO TWO PERSONS, the first book in a long time that we overwhelmingly agreed that we loved.T his book is about a book and the reactions and experiences of nine people who encounter it. Even those that couldn’t attend our discussion were texting with their input— the consensus—this book is a home run. We had a great discussion centered around the first line of the fictional book ‘Wandering is a gift given only to the lost,’ and the idea that no two people ever experience anything exactly the same way.
We discussed the way each character responded to the book and why we felt they were so drawn to it. We loved the little Easter Eggs of how characters were connected and agreed that the widower's story was one of our favorites/most heartbreaking. We loved how the story of each character seemed like it could be a stand-alone short story.
“We were surprised that our entire book club loved the book— we tend to be very opinionated and are almost always split on our reading selections. And that we all loved it was much more interesting, as the theme is about how people experience books differently. Just Ike the characters in the book, we had different experiences and reactions while reading it, but in the end, we were all drawn to it for many of the same reasons. Every last one of us recommends NO TWO PERSONS, especially for those who enjoy short stories, unique characters, and lively discussion."
Spectacles: "We agreed that NO TWO PERSONS was a perfect match for our group. What a thought-provoking book. Each book club member’s favorite parts, thoughts, characters, and quotes began a lively conversation about the value and power of words. The individual stories demonstrated how one book can affect readers in amazing and unexpected ways. It was interesting to read how one book connected all the characters.
We loved all of the characters and their stories, and everyone in our book club had a favorite. As teachers, many of us connected with Nola—a character we could easily relate to—and we thought William and Abigail's story was heartbreaking. We learned through Alice's story that in many ways, a writer's own life experiences affect what is written.We explored the character in each story and saw how the stories were connected. We discussed how parts of Alice's book were found in each chapter. It was interesting to see how and when we were able to put the bits and pieces together to tell Theo's story. As the chapters progressed, we were able to see the impact that the book had on each person and how they moved on. This book reminded us that no two persons interpret the same book in the same way and interpretations that we share depend on where we are at a certain time. In addition to the written stories, we loved how the cover depicted the nine readers!
We shared some of our favorite quotes for discussion, such as ‘The beauty of books—they take you places you didn't know you needed to go.’
Menu: "Foods connected to stories: Ramen noodle salad, granola bars (Nola). PBJ sliders and potato chips (Alice and Peter), banana muffins (William)"
Hagerstown Housewives: “We all enjoyed NO TWO PERSONS. Erica Bauermeister's writing was loved by all. We loved the premise that one story can affect people differently. Some of the most interesting topics were the different chapters that each individual person in my book club liked and their reasons why. We discussed the different stories that resonated. Since we are all book lovers in our book club, we connected to the story of each of the 9 persons who read about Theo. We all had a soft spot for the book and its many characters. We recommend for those who enjoy relatable stories that connect people in inspiring ways.”
Famished for Fiction, Frisco, Texas; Lit Ladies, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Between the Pages, Mt. Morris, New York
BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN by Diane Chamberlain( St. Martins Press, 2020)
A novel of chilling intrigue, a decades-old disappearance, and a woman’s quest for the truth.
Famished for Fiction: We highly recommend BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN, which will remain with us for a long time. The contrasting timelines of the 1940s and the present day, as well as the varying perspectives, made for a captivating read." -
"Chamberlain's writing was impressive, and she has now become one of our favorite authors. Our club enjoyed this intricately crafted book and appreciated the diversity of opinions from our multi-racial group. We learned about the WPA project and the historical setting of Edenton, North Carolina, which we found fascinating. During our discussions, we explored the complex relationships between characters, such as Jesse and Anna, Morgan and Oliver. We delved into the secrets that Nellie kept, and the burden of family responsibility. The ending kept us guessing, and the short chapters made it easy to follow the multiple storylines. Most members gave this novel a 5/5 rating.”
Lit Ladies: "We all enjoyed this novel and it inspired great discussion—success! We discussed the dual timelines, the connections between the protagonists, the art restoration process and research, the epilogue ending, and various aberrations/additions in the mural that Anna added. Members commented that they ‘binged it,’ ‘loved it, ‘couldn’t put it down,’ and “read 250 pages at once.' We recommend to clubs that enjoy historical thrillers and mysteries."
Between the Pages: “Thank you for this read! Hot discussion topics were the dual storyline, life in prison, the big reveal, and small-town life. We live in a small area, so that was discussed at length. We recommend for those clubs that enjoy Intertwined storylines and thrills."
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal, and Reckless Readers, Eastford, Connecticut
THE SOULMATE by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 4/23)
A thriller about marriage, betrayal, and the secrets that push us to the edge,
Thrillers by the Bookclub-SoCal: "We loved THE SOULMATE!, a perfect match for our book club. Most agreed that this one is one of our favorite Sally Hepworth We’re huge fans of hers. Half of our book club met Sally in person during her book tour at Zibby's Bookshop— fantastic!
"We discussed the dynamics between the two couples and which one was the true soulmate. We appreciated how the author added important topics such as mental health, adoption, and addiction. The characters were intriguing and the level of suspense had us on the edge of our seats. We loved having the perspective of Amanda which gave us a great insight into details about the characters’ relationships.
We enjoyed talking about Gabe’s transformation from the beginning of the story, when we all thought he was a wonderful human being, to the end, where many details about his character are revealed. The discussion questions provided an excellent guide for our chat. We recommend THE SOULMATE to book clubs that enjoy reading suspenseful family dramas with an atmospheric setting."
Reckless Readers: Normally we discuss the book for a little while, and then jump to other topics. Not last night! There was too much to discuss after reading THE SOULMATE —everyone loved the book and the twists! This book was such a conversation starter! Sally Hepworth is so good at working mental health into her books. Hepworth nailed the portrayal of mental illness as well as codependency— the character Gabe was hard to read, because of how accurately she depicted his illness. Members wanted to break down the relationship between Pippa and Gave, and how forgiving Pippa was when most people would walk. It was an emotional conversation, with so many personal perspectives and stories.
Most members had never read a Sally Hepworth book. After last night, everyone added her books to their TBR lists. I’ve been reading her for years, and was happy to see they felt the same way about her books! Sally is an excellent storyteller. Thank you so much for the excellent #GalleyMatch.
Menu: "Soulmate bars—peanut butter & jelly—the ultimate soulmate of food! And “The Drop Martini” —a cranberry lemon drop martini, that will send you over the edge after only a few! "
THE STORIES WE TELL: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by Joanna Gaines (Harper Select . 11/8/22)
The first solo memoir from the Magnolia co-founder.
We met at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Shops at Creekside in Frisco, Texas, a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Gaines' own design style, making it the perfect location for our discussion."
Get Lit: "We’re all fans of Chip and Joanna’s and enjoyed learning more about her. Chip is so funny and Joanna always appears to be calm, so it was interesting learning about her childhood and the difficulties she faced.
Jensen Beach County Club's Womens Book Club of Florida, The Wine Club With a Book Problem of Acworth, Georgia, and Blu Stocking Literary Society of West Allis, Wisconsin
THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS by M.J. Rose (Blue Box, 2/23)
A tale of two passionate women— a famous jewelry designer who fights to protect her company and rescue the man she loves, and an auctioneer whose gifts reveal a secret that endangers her very life,
Jensen Beach County Club: “We loved the descriptions of the jewelry that Suzanne Belperron made and the majority of us had researched Suzanne's designs after reading the book.A good match for our book club. We enjoy historical fiction or books with strong women. This novel features a dual timeline— France, 1942, and New York, 1986. Suzanne is a sought-after jewelry designer in France and her longtime lover and business partner, Bernard has been arrested by the Nazis. Violine is an appraiser for an auction company in 1986 and has been approached by Paul Osgood about selling family antiques. While visiting his home, she discovers a hidden compartment in a vintage Louis Vuitton case containing WWII-era jewelry. Violine is gifted with learning the history and secrets of objects she touches, and their owners and realizes that the jewelry has a long and tragic history. Violine and Paul work together to discover the history of the case and the jewelry. We discussed how Dixie and Suzanne demonstrated this in their work for the resistance movement."
Menu: "French rose wine, croissants, olives, brie, baguettes with French butter, chocolate mousse, cheesecake, dark chocolate squares, and cappuccino."
The Wine Club With a Book Problem "THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS is a captivating and powerful story that grabs you from the first page— a good match for as we like historical fiction with strong women. We enjoy books in which we learn something new, and the story prompts us further investigate a topic—in this case, Suzanne Belperron, one of the most innovative jewelers of her time, and her jewelry designs. This intriguing story explored Suzanne Belperron's courage and those who participated in the French Resistance by helping Jewish families leave France. We liked the novel's alternating dual timelines—Paris 1942 and New York 1986—which link Suzanne and Violine, an art historian/appraiser with a supernatural gift. We noted that this is the first book we've read that involves psychometry.”
Rose has written a beautiful and descriptive story. We recommend this book to those that enjoy magical realism, suspense, and World War II fiction."
Menu: "Brie, apples, Classic French Salad (romaine, tarragon, chives, walnuts with a lemon vinaigrette, Ina Garten's Bouef Bourguignon, Mashed Potatoes, macarons. truffles."
Blu Stocking: An excellent selection for our club. This story was fascinating and the psychometry was an interesting twist. We enjoy reading about real people in history within a historical fiction context. While the characters are placed in a fictional story, there is much to take away. Several of us did some research on Suzanne Belperron and her jewelry designs. We also like the alternating timeline. robust discussion. We discussed psychometry's 'unbelievable' aspect juxtapositioned with an equally 'unbelievable' period of history as the holocaust. Also, we talked about the courage and actions of people in this world that are so brave and committed even in the face of personal danger, as well as the variety of themes—determination, strength of character, hope, faith, and love in all its incarnations, lovers (Suzanne/Bernard/Jean), friends (Suzanne & Dixie) and love of country/places (France)”
Curious Book Club, Frederick, Maryland; St. Louis Women’s Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; First Saturday Book Club, Pensacola, Florida
PRACTICE GIRL by Estelle Laure (Penguin Teen, 5/22)
A novel about a girl who rejects her label and decides for herself who she is to the world—about reputation and double standards,
Menu: We met at a diner because there was a diner in the story!
First Saturday Book Club: "We had a great discussion about PRACTICE GIRLan honest, moving YA read that should be in the hands of more teens. PRACTICE GIRL offers a strong look at what it means to participate in a relationship and the need for teens to understand the ramifications of sex and responsibility and dedication to relationships. The author writes with emotional depth—we feel everything Jo goes through, and we root for Jo to win at wrestling and life. It’s clever, charming, and poignant.
We discussed teenage behaviors: that Jo was not responsible for Sam kissing her yet she is blamed, how girls need to have girl relationships so they have support, the importance of family, taking others into consideration while establishing boundaries, and understanding the relationship before sex. Also, that growing up and having friendships change is difficult but a part of growing up. We all enjoyed this coming-of-age novel, recommended for this for groups that enjoy YA lit with emotional depth."
Happy Bookers, Linn Missouri, Lit Ladies Read Melbourne, Florida, and St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; and Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
WEYWARD by Emila Hart (St. Martin's Press, 3/23)
A novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world
Happy Bookers: “A gem of a book with resilient female characters is our favorite GalleyMatch to date.”- on a novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world, read with galleys from
“Hart has given us much to ponder in a most bewitching tale. Altha, Violet, and Kate will long stay with us for their resilience and fortitude. We agreed that witchcraft isn’t accomplished through spells, but by their connection to the world around them -— and that was most appreciated and enjoyed. We cheered at the comeuppance of the perpetrators who caused harm both physical and mental to the female characters. We discussed the plight and strength of women over the ages dealing with similar treatment. The three women characters were enthralling. The author wove the three timelines of the Weyward women’s lives together expertly. Their plight, resourcefulness, and special powers along with their ties to nature and their strength to survive amidst adversity and ill-treatment earn these characters a place in your heart. The short chapters breeze along while keeping the depth of the characters and story strong. Highly recommended by our group to fellow readers. The perfect fall read. The perfect anytime read! Cannot wait to read more from this author.”
Menu: Orton stew (chicken and rice soup) W pendant cakes(cupcakes), Witches sticks and twigs (fried tortilla strips), Cottage dip (cowboy caviar), Crow Bars (brownie bites), Insect Wings(corn chips), Graham Crackers(saltines and wheat thins), and Morgs(moon drop grapes)in a member’s backyard and woods for our book reenactments."
Lit Ladies Read:“ We loved everything about this book! This is a very compelling read that highlights the connection between women, family, and nature."
WEYWARD is a beautifully written story about the strength and resilience of three different women. The story is told in alternating timelines, in different centuries leaving the reader to wonder how these women are related. The Weyward women all face similar, yet different, hardships of violence, abuse, and expectations of society that they must overcome. The women all have a very strong connection to nature and find strength and inner peace through this connection. The alternating timelines advance the story and keep you wanting more. The descriptive language paints a clear picture, and we loved the alternating timelines—each character's story was compelling and gave a feel for what these women had to endure. We spent quite a bit of time discussing the treatment of women who were deemed ’weird’ throughout history. It is frightening to think that there was a period in history when women could be labeled witches and executed based on nothing more than conjecture and failure to conform to societal expectations. Altha's storyline, in particular really highlighted how ludicrous the idea of witchcraft really is and how scared people were of anyone who was different. Another hot topic was domestic abuse and how difficult it can be for abused women to escape their abuser. Both Kate's and Violet's stories dealt with physical and sexual abuse that required both women to find the strength to remove themselves from their situations. We recommend for those who enjoy stories about women finding their inner strength to overcome hardship.”
Menu: Witching Hour Cabernet Sauvignon and witch hat cupcakes.
St. Louis: "WEYWARD was intense, honest and deeply connected to today’s time The three timelines and main character add layers of interconnected themes and details. At first glance, these are very different women but ultimately all face similar situations. We discussed feminism and the growth of women throughout time, how the patriarchy impacts women’s abilities to make choices, and Nature vs nurture—these women all were born to be Weyward, not raised to be Weyward.
Recommended for those who enjoyed THE LOST APOTHECARY by Sarah Penner; three perspectives or time periods in stories; the power of nature; books about powerful women and the ability to be strong despite the circumstances and external environment. This book has some trigger warnings that I think all readers need to be extremely mindful of before reading (physical/verbal abuse, parental abuse, rape, pregnancy loss, abortion, jail).
Reading Between the Wines: “This book was a perfect match for our club. We all enjoyed this story of three women from the same family line at different points in time. There was so much to discuss here: our connection to the natural world, overcoming trauma, giving yourself grace, and the strength and resilience of women, feminism, women’s connection to the natural world, family legacies, and overcoming trauma We thought the author did a great job incorporating the interconnected stories of Althea, Violet, and Kate. Recommended to book clubs that enjoy women’s fiction, historical fiction with dual timelines, and a touch of magical realism.
Menu: "Food to honor the garden at Weyward cottage, including veggie crackers with garden vegetables, and basil cheese, roasted vegetable pizza, and fresh veggies with hummus. We also had blueberry scones with jam and tea and biscuits as a nod to the English settings in the book."
Longwood Ladies, Goshen, Kentucky and Colonies Book Club, Yorkville, Illinois
ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE by Noelle Salazar ( Mira,/ HTP, 11/22)
A story inspired by true events, about courageous women who risked everything for their country, family, and each other
Longwood Ladies: “ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE was a great book club book.We all loved learning about a neutral country. It was a new take on that era that we all really enjoyed! We discussed how much we learned about the World War II era, We talked a lot about and enjoyed the fact that it shined the light on a true sister act. It was the first historical fiction I’ve read that took place in the Netherlands during World War II. It was a refreshing change to hear the trials from a neutral neighbor. The characters were easy to relate to and love and my heart was wrenched by their bravery and struggles. We fell in love with the characters —they were strong, intelligent, patient women right from the start and their growth and determination were astounding. We recommend ANGELS to those who enjoy historical fiction and reading about strong women! If you enjoyed THE LILAC GIRLS, ROSE CODE, or Salazar’s first book, FLIGHT GIRLS, you will enjoy this historical fiction. We all thank you immensely!”
Colonies Book Club: "Some members were in tears throughout this beautifully told story of two young sisters who risk everything for their homeland during World War II. Our members loved this book. Some comments: A heart-wrenching read that is full of tenderness, resilience, courage, brutality, and devotion. The author did a great job of opening our eyes to the hardships of living through Nazi occupation Salazar demonstrated how strong the bonds of sisters, family, and friends are in a powerful way. This story is told from the perspective of a young teenage girl and how innocence is lost through the actions necessary to fight the evil that ripped her country apart. We were unfamiliar with the occupation of the Netherlands and learned about their struggle with starvation and freezing during the last years of the war. We couldn’t imagine girls getting involved with the resistance and what they were willing to do for their country. We all felt the guilt that Lien carried throughout her life over her little sister's death and the catalyst that was for her to join the resistance. We loved the epilogue and the closure it gave us about all of the character
Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut: CT Lit Club, Milford, ConnecticutTHE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins(St. Martin's Press, 1/23)
A gothic suspense novel set at an Italian villa with a dark history.
Literary Lovelies:" We all loved the book! This book has books within the book!”-“We discussed both storylines and if we found ourselves drawn to one story or the other. Susan loved the dual timelines and thought the Mari storyline felt like a movie! We also discussed whether we saw that Mark and Chess were together. A lot of people had thoughts on Chess! We decided she was either a Love or hate character. We also discussed if you have to like the characters to like a book. Chelsey thought the book reminded her of Rachel’s other books and talked about her distinct writing style. We loved how easy it was to read, and enjoyed the epistolary chapters that enhanced the story. We felt the book wrapped up a little quickly and we wished that Emily had stood up for herself a little more! But the Italy location was a favorite of ours as well as the slight gothic style of the Mari plot line. We recommend THE VILLA to clubs that enjoy dual timelines in beautiful settings! Thank you so much for this opportunity!"
Menu: "We meet virtually, but enjoyed some limoncello while reading the book! Emily and Chess are a little over-served on limoncello their first night in Italy."
CT Lit Book Club: This book had us in a heated discussion about what we would do if we were in the main character’s situation. We found ourselves in a coffee shop yelling about dead husbands and realized we probably should put our books on the tabble so other patrons see we are actually discussing a book!!
“We were excited to preview a Rachel Hawkins title! The majority of us have read THE WIFE UPSTAIRS and RECKLESS GIRLS, along with some of her Erin Sterling books.
We had high expectations for THE VILLA, as it is highly anticipated by the bookstagram community. Overall, we expected it to be more ‘thrilling’, but we enjoyed it and were enthralled wondering what was going to end up happening and how the two stories of what took place at the villa were going to bridge together. One member described her reading experience as the story ‘always having an air of suspicion to keep her intrigued.’ We really loved the setting of the villa in Italy and loved the throwbacks to the 70s! We recommend this book to those that enjoy drama, and books like BIG LITTLE LIES.’
Reckless Readers: "Everyone loved the book, rating it Hawkins’s best yet!"- “This is our second GalleyMatch for a Rachel Hawkins book, and we were very excited! Most members read THE VILLA in two sittings We could not wait to rant about the characters we hated, dissect the twists, and gush over the amazing setting. There was a lot of early chatter in the week before our meeting — those that finished it early could not wait to have our discussion.
The level of betrayal among friends was the biggest discussion. We loved the setting, the dual timelines, and the parallels between them. The twists were nonstop and unexpected, which kept us page-turning. The dual timelines made the story. Going from Emily & Chess presently staying at the Villa, to Mari in 1974, the reader gets the full picture of what really happened at The Villa Aestas. Both stories have parallels that are frightening. It seems that you can’t stay at the Villa without it taking someone from you. There are love triangles, friendship deceits, thrilling reveals, and murder to fit everyone’s appetite. It’s dark and atmospheric in ways we have never seen from Rachel Hawkins. She packed so many surprises into this book, but the last chapter is the biggest. There was a hot debate among the group on whether that last chapter was even necessary. How many twists are too many? We recommend if you enjoy big twisty thrillers that grip you until the end —add it to your preorder list! It's out in January, and will be on everyone’s hot list for 2023!"
Menu: “Italian lemon theme to match book: lemon basil pasta salad, lemon ricotta hot cheese dip, limoncello cocktails.”
Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Riverside Readers, Plain City, Ohio; Amy's Book Club, Boulder Colorado
A LIGHT IN THE FOREST by Melissa Payne (Lake Union, 2022)
An emotional and suspenseful novel about the weight of secrets and the healing power of friends and family.
Riverside Readers: “We loved the Ohio setting and although Crystal was a made-up town, we have been to similar small towns and could picture the intent while we read. We appreciated the fun and quirky characters with a hint of underlying mystery in the book. don't know. We discussed the small town, the stereotypes, and the reality, not all small towns in Ohio are like that but we knew why the author picked to use the stereotypical poor/mining town in Appalachia. The timelines coordinated well together with the flashbacks. The characters of the small town were unique and we liked how they interacted with each other—they balanced the trauma. The reader's guide for this book was great. Thank you! We love being introduced to new authors and this time it helped build a new small community of readers, as this is a new book club."
We discussed which of the lovable/heroic characters we enjoyed the most and whether Vega was a hero or a victim;, the pacing of how quickly Vega developed community in Crystal, secrets and why they should be kept or told; our reactions to Vega checking Instagram and our internal screamings at her of what we wanted her to do, the town's support of Eve, and what would happen next for all of them. We recommend A LIGHT IN THE FOREST to book clubs that enjoy complicated relationships and a multi-decade mystery to unravel." Melanie’s Book Club:" We loved the opportunity to preview A LIGHT IN THE FOREST. We are reading another Melissa Payne book this month, as a result! Everyone had positive comments and the book made for great conversation. One member who is stingy with book ratings gave our selection 5 stars. This is a thoughtful, well-written book that discusses real-life issues with great character development. A main discussion point was the different social issues addressed in the book and that the author didn't 'preach' about them. Our group has many teachers and nurses in it and this made an impact on us, especially since we see these issues in the lives of our students and patients. We appreciated the character development and that through the different points of view, we were able to put pieces of the puzzle together before Vega did, yet it didn’t take away from the mystery. This book is a must-read! We look forward to seeing if her other books have a similar writing style and theme."
Madame Woods Book Club of Wiscasset, Maine, and Book Club Girls of Sparta, New JerseyTHE WAYS WE HIDE, by Kristina McMorris (Sourcebooks, 2022)
We discuss the intricacies of the story and how relatable the main character was. McMorris thoughtfully and seamlessly transitions from a story of romance, into a detail-oriented spy novel, and keeps the reader o n the edge of their seat in anticipation of what direction the story and characters would go next. She challenges the reader to keep up with current and past storylines, all while inserting historical events, distracting the reader - they are well intertwined into the characters' lives and the book’s storylines. THE WAYS WE HIDE offers a variety of themes that would appeal to a large readership. So many beautiful moments, even in the last chapters of the book, that offer a sweet and real conclusion.”Book Club Girls of Sparta: "We enjoyed reading about a part of history we did not know of.Most of us were unaware of the Dutch involvement in the resistance or hadn't heard of this chapter of history where women recruited into the resistance worked on inventing escape aids that were hidden in things like games, and the hiding of clues and maps in ordinary objects was interesting to learn about. The resounding takeaway was the fact that so many people risked everything to help the resistance, to help other humans stay safe. Many questioned whether they would be as brave, especially being a woman. We found the most connecting part of the story was Fennas; bravery, and fearlessness even though she had deep trauma from the fire. We recommend THE WAYS WE HIDE to groups interested in historical fiction about new pieces of World War III history and strong female protagonists."Menu: Tea and speculoos cookies.
Brunch & Books Club, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Literary Fires Everywhere, Cortland Manor, New YorkTHE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center, (St. Martin's Press, 7/22)
A romantic and humorous romance about a bodyguard, and the movie star she's hired to protect, as they work to keep things professional under crazy circumstances
Brunch & Books: “We discussed the main character’s growth. Everyone enjoyed the love story, but seeing how the character grew into herself from start to finish was what really stood out. She gained confidence and self-respect that she didn’t have at the beginning and that really resonated with members. The discussion questions prompted a good conversation that brought to mind parts of the story we might not have discussed.
I Ioved this fun and funny book with every piece of my heart. It was my first Katherine Center novel and it felt as if I was sitting with a BFF listening to her tell e this hilarious and heartwarming story. 10/10! The Author’s Note alone is worth 5 stars. Don’t skip it! Recommended for those who enjoy funny, happy love stories! We’re so appreciative of the opportunity! “
Literary Fires Everywhere: "We all enjoyed this book. I am definitely not a regular rom-com reader— I usually find myself rolling my eyes at plots that make others swoon— but I really did love this book. It’s super cute, engaging, and the characters feel real. Even the setting popped right off the page! Definitely recommend grabbing this one!
Hannah has been hired to be a bodyguard to Jack, a Hollywood burnout who would prefer not to have a bodyguard. The pair have palpable chemistry, and I quickly found myself rooting for them. We are not huge romance readers and we’re all pleasantly surprised that it was both fluffy and deep, a un reads with a bit of drama. We all loved the touches and the author’s descriptions. (The Bush steak knives)."
Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; and Bookish Ladies, Coto de Caza, CaliforniaHESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese (St. Martin's Press, 10/4/22)
A vivid reimagining of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne, the tragic heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and a journey into the enduring legacy of New England's witchcraft trials.Get Woke: "HESTER’s message empowered us! As Laurie Lico Albanese writes, Hester Prynne is ‘a heroic woman who defies powerful men and vengeful villagers by wearing the symbol of her shame like a badge of courage.’ Heroic women! May we be them and may we raise them!”A major symbol, incorporating the books' themes, was Isobel's sewing skill and her ability to design and stitch beautiful patterns and scenes that revealed emotions and contained hidden messages.
Each member of the book club was asked to bring a bottle of wine (or another beverage of choice), containing a label that could reflect a 'hidden' message or theme of the story. Our discussion involved each of the members presenting her wine and describing the label, revealing aspects of the novel. These included PROPHECY WINES— The label’s images relate to the supernatural world, and scenes with shooting stars. Isobel struggles to accept her power, and the woman on the label exhibits power.*TEMPTATION AND EVE—Depicts Eve tempting Adam. Isobel’s community shuns her as a witch when she becomes pregnant. EVE elicited discussion on the Bible story – Isobel notes its message about untrustworthy women. GNARLY HEAD WINES—summarizes many characters' mental states: Hawthorne struggles with his family history of witch trials. Isobel struggles with her artistic creations and powers. *KALEIDOSCOPE:— Isabel’s gift enables her to create beautiful designs and messages on clothing and understand others’ emotions. WITCHING HOUR: summarized the novel’s mystery, fantasy, excitement, and passion.
Menu: A ‘community rice bowl’ is symbolic of the support and encouragement women shared in the novel. Member brought ingredients. Along with the theme of wine, dessert bars were labeled ‘Primitive Nuts’: many characters reflect this title!
We also shared a representation of each member’s name created by a woman with synesthesia.”We thought character of 'Hathorne' -- what the author calls Hawthorne-- could have been developed a bit further as he seemed shallow and his treatment of Isobel seemed dismissive. The social issues of the time were well highlighted by the author with a concurrent story of the Witch Trials in Salem, the plight of fleeing saves using the Underground Railroad, the mistreatment and victimization of women who had no rights, the struggles of prejudice that immigrants face in America We enjoyed the novel and feel it is going to become a best seller - it was definitely a compelling read!
Menu: Bee-shaped tea cakes and chocolate and lemon lavender scones to enjoy with tea and coffee.
Bookish Ladies: "Everyone enjoyed the book and a fresh reboot of The Scarlet Letter. The author did a wonderful retelling and we loved the characters and the story. We had a great discussion and we’re so happy to have this fun experience. We highly recommend HESTER! One member loved the book so much that she took a trip to Salem - ok it was a brilliant coincidence that she was going there!"
Menu: "Many colorful vegetables mentioned in the book."
Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas and Cork and Olive Book Club, Valrico, FloridaHALF-BLOWN ROSE by Leesa-Cross Smith (Grand Central, 2022)
A novel about a woman remaking her life after her husband’s betrayal leads to a year of travel, art, and passion in Paris.
Famished for Fiction: “We had a great time discussing HALF-BLOWN ROSE! This book really stretched us!" We discussed infidelity quite a bit: some members felt that the current problem —the marriage— needed to be resolved before embarking on another adventure—a relationship with Loup. We discussed that Vincent and Loup being independently wealthy contributed to their ability to just 'do as they pleased'. Vincent runs off to Paris; she and Loup travel by train to visit Theo, and family. Her family’s laid-back attitude when she shows up with Loup is a bit shocking; but, put into the context of their family, it made sense. SPOILER ALERT: We felt the ending left questions unanswered...maybe a sequel is in the plans? We would love to know if Vincent will return to Cillian, stay with Loup or go out on her own. We felt she was d searching for her freedom by leaving Kentucky and fleeing to Paris; but, in the end, becomes more tied down with the pregnancy. We recommend this book to those who enjoy Paris, romance, art, and secrets."Menu: We loved that the novel was set in Paris so we met at a French restaurant, Toulouse Cafe & Bar for quiche, Toulouse salad, lobster rolls, lobster risotto, and rose-themed drinks: French 77 and Rose all-day punch."
Cork and Olive: We looked forward to HALF-BLOWN ROSE, as we enjoyed Leesa’s novel THIS CLOSE TO OKAY and this did not disappoint! We enjoy her writing style—a phenomenal writer!” There was much discussion about whether Vincent should have led her husband on, whether it was wrong for her to be with Loup before a decision about her marriage, and whether she should have reached out to Tully and his mother. No one liked Cillian's actions and would have preferred Vincent to end her marriage if she was going to go be with someone else. We discussed Vincent's relationship with her children and the growing relationship with Tully, who we loved. There was concern that Vincent spent more time on Tully with her children, although we know that she loved them - she just didn't share as much of herself with them. We all want an epilogue!! We agreed that we needed to know what Vincent decided. Some hoped she kicked both Cillian and Loop to the curb, stayed in Paris, and raised the baby herself. Some thought she might have both... We loved that she decided to just do whatever she felt— eat pastries, sleep during the day, do whatever her spirit felt, while she proces
sed this punch in the gut to her life.
We enjoyed the references to food, art, books, and music. It was SO brilliant that Leesa created Vincent's Spotify playlists. We were delighted to see videos and references to characters on @anchoismusic. What a great way to bring the book to life! C'est bon bon bon! We recommend this novel to those who enjoy travel, art, and passion.”
Menu: "Our menu featured foods referenced —wonderfully varied and not all French! Cranberry Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes, Chickpea Stew, Fig Jam and Cheese with crackers, Rosemary Flatbread with Hummus and Olives, Pain au Chocolat, Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies, and of course, Champagne!
Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Literary Lovelies of Yonkers, New York Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Finer Things Book Club of Brentwood, CaliforniaTHE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK by Ellen Marie Wiseman (Kensington, 8/22)
The story about the Willowbrook State School, the Staten Island mental institution that shocked a nation when exposed in the 1970s as a dumping ground for unwanted children.
Sensational Seven: "We are fortunate to read this new novel from a favorite author! Once again, Ms. Wiseman has so eloquently written about another of our nation’s past social injustices. We compared our strong responses to the novel with other books with difficult topics. She has shed light on a piece of our history that is so important to learn about. Her take on Willowbrook through the eyes of sixteen-year-old, Sage Winters, was a riveting ‘page-turner.’ When Sage discovers her twin sister, Rosemary, was alive and had been institutionalized for years at Willowbrook; she courageously heads to the school to rescue her. We discussed our emotional responses in realizing that these atrocities occurred in our lifetime and in our country Our discussion centered on how the children’s parents felt after learning the truth of events at the ‘school.’ We were sad and horrified over Willowbrook, and had for the staff and media who were crucial to its closure. We felt grateful for the advancement in care and treatment of the mentally ill and incapacitated members of our society today.”
Menu: "Our take on related food/drink: White chicken chili, representing the colorless mush that residents at Willowbrook were served daily. We also drank Tequila Sunrises, a popular cocktail in 1972, using orange juice. In the novel, the nurses mixed medication in orange juice to keep the residents sedated. No meds were used by our book club- only tequila and grenadine in the OJ!”
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “We enjoy historical fiction and mystery and this was the best of both worlds!”Some members recently toured a State Hospital in Michigan and were able to compare what they learned with Willowbrook. Ellen Marie Wiseman joined us via Zoom to answer questions about how she researched the book and where the ideas came from— including the big twist. It was especially fun because she had been at the memorial at Willowbrook the day before and was able to tell us about meeting some of the doctors and attendants who helped to blow the whistle, per se. We discussed society during this time, and why it was often recommended for parents to place children in a place like Willowbrook. We discussed how parents could see their child in that state, not say anything- many of us agreed that during that time, people deferred to 'authority’ and took the doctors at their word. Today, parents question and challenge authority, especially when it comes to doctors and teachers. We agreed this was one of the saddest stories we had heard and had time wrapping our heads around the fact that while it’s a fictional story the setting, conditions, and many of the characters were real. We also didn’t see the twist coming (Ellen said that even her editor didn’t see that one!).”
Menu: "Pancakes and bacon, a build-your-own-oatmeal bar, and orange juice —spiked with champagne instead of sedatives, as in the book."
Literary Lovelies: "This was truly a fascinating book that led to a great discussion about mental health. We couldn't believe it was based on a true story! We all loved this fascinating story, and it was heartbreaking to know it was based on a real situation. The subject matter was difficult but we all enjoyed the historical fiction and somewhat true crime genre in this well-written and detailed novel. Wiseman graphically describes the school, where employees brutalize and demean their residents. It’s after a reporter sneaks into the facility— the journalist is Geraldo Rivera, who was instrumental in getting the facility rehabbed and shut down —that light is shed on these inhumane conditions. We discussed the women brought to this facility, mental health, and the management of those needing special care. It was terrible that couldn’t speak up for themselves, and that no one ever checked on them This dark and gritty story will stay with us for a long time—it was so interesting and led to a fabulous discussion. This is my first time reading this author and I will be looking for more of her books."
Elizabeth's Book Chat, Frisco, Texas; Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey; North Wales Area Public Library; PennsylvaniaWHEN WE LET GO by Rochelle Weinstein
A novel about mothers and daughters, loss and acceptance, the lessons that come from heartbreak, and the healing it takes to embrace the joy of a second chance.Elizabeth’s Book Chat: "A wonderful match We had a very lively discussion with author Rochelle Weinstein and the book was so well received. Everyone loved it! There were different elements of the story that each of us could relate to which made it even more interesting. The author's style of writing is genuine and heartfelt. As we read the words on the page, we also were able to actually feel the emotions. What was very interesting was when members asked Rochelle where the idea for the tree came from. The response kept everyone chatting for a while. Great interaction!”
Book Club Girls Sparta: “A new author to us, and this moving story was enjoyed by all. Many could relate to the protagonist's profound level of loss and trauma and how one moment in her young life altered her future relationships with those closest to her. Trauma, grief, mother-daughter, sister, family, forgiveness, strength, and courage were all key factors that resonated with our readers. We discussed the importance of self-care and women surrounding themselves with people they can trust and open up to, and give themselves permission to move on and heal. We enjoyed the mother/ daughter theme. Read this moving novel if you are looking for a story of mothers, daughters, first love, second chances, and the powerful bond of sisters. “
Over-Readers Anonymous of Cumming, Georgia, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, Wine Club with a Book Problem, Woodstock, GeorgiaOVERKILL by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 8/22)
A crime thriller in which a conflict of conscience between a former football star and an ambitious state prosecutor swiftly intensifies into a fight for their lives.
Reckless Readers: "OVERKILL satisfied the thriller need, romance desire, and contemplative fiction we all love. It was an excellent book club book that sparked much conversation: the question of whether or not we would want to stay alive, or if we could actually pull the plug ourselves on a loved one, after being in a coma with no brain activity. The characters had moral and religious struggles with this choice, and we empathized with them. We loved the spicy romance in the book —with much discussion about how much more of it everyone wanted—as well as the direction of the story. Eban’s character sent us on another heated conversation about entitlement and the evils that wealth can add to an already evil person’s being. Sandra Brown did an excellent job of making us hate him, and kept us page-turning hoping for a better outcome. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy a little romance in their thriller, and heavy discussion points."
Menu: "Our drink—the Blue Overkill (vodka blue Curacao, and pineapple juice) was tasty, like Zach, and packed a punch like Kate. Paired with charcuterie."
Over-Readers Anonymous: “We recommend OVERKILL for those who enjoy crime fiction, suspense thrillers, and contemporary issues with a little romance thrown in! Our book club has enjoyed several Sandra Brown novels, they're entertaining and also touch on issues that lead to a deeper discussion. We discussed the ethical dilemma at the foundation of OVERKILL and delved into medical ethics, end-of-life planning, the characters, the plot, the judicial system, and the celebrity spotlight. As we all have roots in the south, we liked the Atlanta, New Orleans, and North Carolina settings. OVERKILL was action-packed and easy-to-read."
Menu: “As a BBQ menu was suggested by the author, met at a local restaurant for pulled pork!." (see Sandra Brown's recipe)
Book Club Girls: "An enjoyable read with developed characters an incredible, setting, and suspense well paced throughout the book. We discussed what we would do if faced with the same situation as Zach even though none of our members have had to face this situation. What many of us thought should have been a clear-cut choice, as we wove through the narrative we came to understand that there were so many layers to this that came into play that it wasn't as simple as we believed in the beginning. The most hated character was the villain Eban and although he is fictional, we agreed there are real people in the world like him. When you are so wealthy that you can make so many disastrous choices as a human with no consequences was highlighted. What would have happened to someone else who wasn't as wealthy? Also, we all agreed that no one really thought about Rebecca, until they were forced to, which led us to agree it was unacceptable for her to continue to be victimized in a way for so very long. But, if she was allowed to let go in the beginning, there wouldn't be as much of a plot line for the book. Loved the premise of the story, it gave lots of topics for discussion.
Menu: "We recommend bbq, pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans, and any tailgating type of foods that would be a nod to North Carolina and football."
Wine Club with a Book Problem: "OVERKILL is a good thought-provoking story. The topic of life support and having your affairs in order gave us a good discussion, and we enjoyed the setting of Atlanta since we live in the area. Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger has MPA for his ex-wife, Rebecca, who has been placed on life support after a violent assault. Zach has kept Rebecca on life support for 4 years to honor her parent's wishes. The attacker, Eban, gets an early release from prison and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. If Rebecca were to die, Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off and put Eban back in prison. We discussed that no one really thought about Rebecca. Zach was concerned about how he would be portrayed by the media, her father keeping her alive to punish Zach, and Eban boasting how his father's money got him out of prison early and now he can bet back to partying. It was unacceptable to keep Rebecca on life-support for so long.
Menu: "There are many football analogies and football references throughout the book. We put together a Tailgate Football Menu: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Balsamic Fig Infused Burger Bites, Wings, Homemade Salsa & Chips plus Guacamole, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pizza Pepper Poppers."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; CT Lit, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Kings Chapel Book Club Arrington, Tennessee,ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir (Penguin Teen, 3/22)
A contemporary novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.
Reading Between the Wines: "We all enjoyed the book and thought the author did a wonderful job of creating flawed and 'real' characters that we grew to care about."This was a great match for our club. Our discussion included immigrants' struggles to preserve their culture while trying to achieve the American Dream, the nature of generational trauma, the opioid crisis, and the role of faith in people's lives- so many things to discuss! We became invested in the characters of Noor and Sal and the traumatic events that they and their families, experienced impacted us, and provided a lot of jumping-off points for discussion. Watching their growth throughout the novel gave it a hopeful ending. We loved this book and were fully invested in these characters, and reading it was a very emotional journey. Recommended to clubs that enjoy books discussing contemporary themes, strong characters, and emotional reads.
Menu: We met at a local Indian/Pakistani restaurant to enjoy food discussed and eaten in the novel: chai tea, poori, halwa, Chicken Kashmiri, and paratha, among other dishes!
Page Ladies: “We went in expecting a contemporary story about friendship and forgiveness but what we got was so much more. Thank you, Sabaa Tahir, for sharing this devastating but absolutely beautiful story with us! This is a powerful story that affected each of us differently. It's one that will stay with us for a long time. Until The Fight Salahudin and Noor were more than friends; they were family. Now, Sal is struggling with keeping his family's motel afloat as his mother's health fails and his father loses himself to alcoholism. Meanwhile, Noor is working at her uncle's liquor store and hiding the fact that she’s applying to college so she can escape him and Juniper forever. Sal and Noor must ask themselves what friendship is worth and what it takes to defeat the monsters in their pasts and the ones in their midst. This is an emotional and moving story about friendship, forgiveness, and heartache; it’s like taking a deep dive into a pool full of emotions. Grief, betrayal and forgiveness, loss, rage— you will feel every single one and more in this book. No one from our book club was able to finish this book with dry eyes. There are so many topics that were brought up and all were not easy to discuss: death, drugs, prejudice, and physical abuse. The writing is absolutely wonderful—Sabaa Tahir is a fabulous storyteller. She has a way with words that touches each of her readers.“
Get Woke Book Club “Members arrived with books displaying colorful post-it tabs, which visually reflected the common greeting, 'there is so much to think about in this novel!A group of mothers and grandmothers very much enjoyed the novel by a young adult author and its detailed and realistic picture of the struggles that immigrants face in relocating to the United States and of the family traditions and secrets that follow the immigrants to their new home. The culture and religious traditions of Pakistan were vividly described in an engaging storyline and beautiful prose. The main plot follows the lives of two Pakistani teens, who are struggling with school, personal tragedies, and love. They are surrounded by other well-drawn characters who add depth to the story. We discussed the many plot lines and themes: diversity, forgiveness, hope, family relationships, communication, secrecy, and loss. Tahir fills the novel with music, probably an excellent technique for adolescent readers—they can easily relate to the messages and emotions through familiar songs. Noor uses songs and their lyrics to help cope with the conflicts in her life.
Members shared selfies with short reflections: “Music plays a role in helping us deal with life’s adversities.* When is a relationship worth salvaging? *Fortunately forgiveness does not have an expiration date. It waits and always hopes to be the last word. *Peeling through the complicated layers of life we can see, appreciate and begin to understand one another. * One of my favorite quotes ‘Great passions grow into monsters in the dark of the mind; but if you share them with loving friends they remain human, they can be endured.’ * Tahir effectively introduces sections with lines from Elizabeth Bishop's poem, “One Art. Many characters ‘lost’ things: family, money, businesses, dignity. A lesson we all may need is that losing isn’t always bad.: 'the art of losing’s not too hard to master’ *While keeping a secret is meant to protect someone at some point, keeping that secret might be doing more harm.”
CT Lit Book Club: "We’ve been exploring new genres, and we enjoyed ALL MY RAGE, a heartbreaking story that touches on a lot of sensitive topics which gave us plenty to discuss.ALL MY RAGE introduced us to Pakistani culture. This young adult story follows two Pakistani teens growing up in a small town in California and the grim realities of their American dream. Even through difficult times their cultural norms held them together as a family, even if not by blood, the young adult characters are each facing their own struggles—the death of a loved one, racism, alcoholism, drugs, abuse— they are navigating grief, failure, and forgiveness, and must ultimately lean on one another to make sense of the chaos they are facing. It was shocking to imagine our younger selves in situations like these and we spent time reflecting on how the kids navigated various situations. One that stood out is how Salahudin and Noor dealt with the drug bust, and how their relationship persevered. We also discussed how Salahudin came to terms with his abuse. We recommend ALL MY RAGE for clubs learning about other cultures, family drama, and historical fiction."
Kings Chapel: “Thank you for the chance to read this insightful novel. We had a fabulous discussion and I think it was good to read outside our usual genres. This is a heart-wrenching story about two teens from Pakistani families living in Juniper, California, dealing with tough circumstances, basically all by themselves. We don’t read much YA, It was out of the comfort zone for most of the ladies. but the tough topics represented in this story, such as grief, alcoholism, physical abuse, and racism, were easier to handle in the Young Adult format. Understanding why the characters made the choices they did was something we discussed quite a bit. As teens, they made decisions that were wrong but for the right reasons and it was interesting to get in the minds of these teens and try to understand why. As parents, it was hard to read at times, feeling so sad for these kids who have had such a hard life. But seeing them grow and learn from mistakes and stand up for others, gave the book a nice redemption quality in the end. Recommended for groups that enjoy YA coming of age and social justice."
Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut, Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma;
Lit Ladies Read, Melbourne, Florida; Thrillers by The Book / Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas;
Thrillers by The Book / Costa Mesa, California, CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut recommend:
THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK by Jennifer Hillier (Minotaur 7/22)
Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.
Reckless Readers: An excellent match! Everyone was excited to talk about the twists. We had much to discuss with THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK. Members were messaging before we met, needing to talk about the book as they were finishing it. It was like a month-long meeting, behind the scenes! Usually, if continuous discussion is prompted, the book was a hit. To say the book was twisty is an understatement. This book was twisty than a country back road! A few of us seasoned readers predicted the big twists, but most of us were surprised and shocked. Together, we all needed to unload about the horrendous mothering and terrible situations that Joey was put in throughout her childhood. All of the women in our group are mothers, which makes the book hit us so much harder. But the book wasn’t just about sexual abuse and trauma. There is a high-profile murder that could potentially unearth secrets that need to be kept hidden. The conversation got animated when we discussed Joelle's charge with murder, and there was much discussion about the relationship between Ruby and Joey. As mothers, we found it hard to imagine how Ruby could treat Joey the way she did and put her in such horrible situations. It was heartbreaking and disturbing ."
Chilly Thrillies: “Thank you for giving our group the gift of a 5-star read, a perfect match! We were engaged from start to finish and loved how much there was to discuss. It had the thrills of a book with great character development and storyline. We discussed narcissism and how it affects relationships, specifically parent-child, how the way you are raised affects your instincts and perspective of others, fight or flight and how we would react in certain scenarios in the book, sexual abuse, and its long-term effects, age gap relationships and how people can be evil, but the 'lesser evil.’ We debated which storyline in the dual timeline was more action-packed—something hard to accomplish. Normally, we’re more interested in one storyline, We each were able to predict one of the twists, but we're stumped on the others and loved that there was more than one twist revealed. I was so impressed, I read Hillier’s JAR OF HEARTS. Recommended for those who enjoy a page-turning thriller with complex characters that you root for."
Menu: We made a Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe similar to what Paris makes towards the end of the book (she used pork instead of chicken). We were inspired by her description of how learning to cook was so special when she was going through such a dark time.
Lit Ladies Read: “We enjoyed this twisty, thriller/mystery. and had a very lively discussion! We had so much to discuss. We enjoyed the storytelling, shifting between past and present. and different points of view. This really helped to fully develop the characters. Although some predicted twists, we were still engrossed in the story and wanted to see how things played out.
“Our discussion centered around the characters and their relationships. One of our favorites was that between Jimmy and Paris and the highlight of our discussion was the relationship between Paris/Joey and Ruby. We disagreed about how adult Paris should have handled Ruby and decided that we had to agree to disagree about our feelings towards Paris, but we all agreed that this book was a hit for our group. The mystery is multi-layered, with deep characters. Many members put other books by this author on their ‘to be read’ list."
Thrillers by the Book Club, DFW: "This was our best GalleyMatch, perfect for our group and for book clubs that like dark and twisted mysteries“We all loved how the book started with a very intriguing and captivating scene Joey’s background was very interesting and her relationship with her mother was so toxic. There are a few mysteries in the story. Besides trying to find out if Paris murdered her husband, we’re also trying to work out Paris’ past, how did she go from living with an abusive unstable mother, who is now in prison, to living a wealthy life married to a famous celebrity? I enjoyed Paris’ past the most I loved the intensity in the chapters that focused on Paris’ childhood and upbringing. Ruby, her mother, was such an intriguing and complex character—a terrible mother, self-centered and irresponsible, which caused Paris a lot of pain and uncertainty. While a few members predicted the twist, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this dark and suspenseful story.”
Thrillers by The Book, Costa Mesa: “This was an excellent pick for our club! The majority liked or loved this one! Some said it was one of their favorite picks of the year. Many of the members enjoyed the mystery of learning about the murderer in the end, and the alternating timelines of the female main character. There were a variety of opinions about who committed the crime.”
CT Lit Book Club: "This was the perfect match for us! We have been craving a thriller and this was on all of our anticipated release lists. We all enjoyed the book, and were so excited to have a chance to preview it! We discussed how jam-packed this book was with plot points. There was much to hold your attention and give you room to try and predict what would happen. We loved how creative Hillier is— there is one scene in specific that was so creative and will leave us remembering the book forever! (hint hint, ice skates). Half of us had read another book by Hillier, and we all agreed that we want to read more Hiller titles."
The Ladies of Autumnwood, Grand Isle, New York, Mom and I Book Club of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, recommend:
THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT BY Lynda Cohen Loigman (St. Martin's Press, 9/20/22)
An intergenerational story about two women—a grandmother and granddaughter—who share the same incredible gift: the ability to identify soulmates
The Ladies of Autumnwood: We loved THE MATCHMAKER’S GIFT! Reading about Raskin’s pickles and the knish shops brought back wonderful memories of shopping at a pickle store in lower Manhattan barrels with barrels on the sidewalk and enjoying a great knish. These memories, among other topics, helped to round out our animated discussion last night. Members didn’t know much about ‘yentas’ or matchmakers and their role in creating Jewish courtship relations. We enjoyed learning about the bravery of the young girl, who beyond the fact that she was Jewish opened our eyes to the challenges of women, not unlike what some have to endure to break that glass ceiling today."
Menu: “We enjoyed Challah and red wine, and took home jars of pickles that I designed with a Raskin’s label.”
My Mom and I: “This pick was perfection. Not only did it match our love of magical realism but we agreed it’s the best book we’ve read this year. You found the perfect book for us!”
“We discussed magic, love, strong women, lovable characters, and the absolute beauty of the writing. We recommend this book to those who enjoy magical realism, foodie fiction, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. The author wrote a book that we treasure and we’re raving about it to everyone. This is a book that you feel like hugging at the end. We absolutely loved it. It’s a gem! “
Menu: "A smorgasbord! We had a blast capturing foods mentioned in the book lox and capers, cornichons— we decorated pickle jars with ‘The Pickle King’, as in the book. We had magical color-changing butterfly tea, as we wanted some magic to go with the story, and chocolate babka for dessert, like our beloved characters baked.
St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; Mom and I Book Club, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania; Pittsford Moms Book Club, Pittsford, New York, and Port Wine and Book Society Readers, Port Washington, Wisconsin recommend:
OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen (St Martins, Press, 8/30/22)
A novel about a young woman who claims her deceased mother's apartment in an island town, where she meets she meets quirky and secretive neighbors.
St. Louis Women’s Book Club: "A great match! We felt like this was the perfect mix of themes, giving us questions and a variety of topics to discuss. Having an arc made us feel like ‘VIPs’ to the publishing process. This novel was cozy, nostalgic, and heartfelt! Allen’s characters help redefine the word ‘family’ in the most beautiful way. We discussed the definition of home and chosen family, food as a love language —and inspiration for potlucks for book club!! The setting—so realistic and magical, the imagery of the birds and the meaning. OTHER BIRDS takes you on a magical journey of youth, delicately balancing both beauty and sadness. We recommend this book to clubs who are fans of magical realism. It was fuzzy, cozy --the perfect happy read."
Menu: "We made amazing foods to match the book: cornmeal air-fried tomatoes, potato chips on Hawaiian rolls, Mac & cheese, cornbread, Palomas, and marshmallow popcorn."
My Mom and I: "Thank you for a rare opportunity to preview our favorite author’s new book! Sarah Addison Allen's first novel GARDEN SPELLS introduced us to our favorite genre, magical realism. I saved the book for the perfect moment and then tore into it. After waiting eight years for her new book I knew I’d read it too quickly and, that’s what happened We are Italian and loved the ‘found family’ theme and 'food is love' philosophy running through the novel. We enjoyed the foodie talk, animals, ghosts, and magical elements. All characters and storylines were interesting and mysterious; sometimes beautiful, but sometimes ugly but always interesting. Several big reveals had us slack-jawed!
While OTHER BIRDS is a little sadder and darker than her previous works, the magic and the love and the beauty left the reader with a love of the characters and a belief that as the characters live beyond 'the end' of the book all turned out well for them. And you will want that because you will be left loving nearly everything about OTHER BIRDS! We recommend this to those who like magical realism and foodie fiction."
Menu: "Cornmeal marshmallow dishes based on a character: Fluffernutters (marshmallow whip and peanut butter sandwiches), tamale pie stuffed peppers, cornmeal sugar cookies, and marshmallow-flavored lip balm as a keepsake."
Pittsford Moms: "We had so much fun with OTHER BIRDS! We loved this found family story and all the special characters! The novel was a good fit for our club. We try to switch up genres/authors and most members like books with some magic realism elements. We felt it was an easy read and generally flew through the book - Thanks! kept our attention. We loved the story of found family, the characters, and their backgrounds. Books with paranormal/magic realism can be hit or miss for most members but they worked well with this story and added background and historical context for many of the characters. We had a great discussion about the twists and the characters' diverse backgrounds— we would have liked a little more depth to some characters that had very traumatic backgrounds. We recommend OTHER BIRDS to groups that enjoy a touch of magic realism and found family stories!”
Menu: "S’mores bars— the story takes place on Marsh Island and all restaurants in town have something marshmallow on their menu.”
Port Wine and Book Society: "A great match for our club! We recommend this enchanting story written from the heart, with interesting characters and subplots.”Zoey was such a delightful, open and honest young character— we all adored her. We liked how the story unfolded by hearing different characters' viewpoints in each chapter. The Dellawisps added fun and interest, some of us thought they may have stolen Charlotte's money. We loved the descriptions of Mallow Island - we live in a small tourist town in Wisconsin and really identified with that. The highlighted passages in Lizbeth’s copy of Sweet Mallow were ironic because she didn't live her life according to any of them - she was so stuck in the past it literally killed her. We enjoyed a unique story, quirky characters, and the theme of food as friendship/love."
Menu: “The detail around food was great! We made several dishes with corn or cornmeal to celebrate it: Polenta and shrimp, fresh corn salad, corn dip and corn chips, and popcorn.”
CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; KU Endowment, Lawrence, Kansas; and Girls Clubhouse, Auburn, California recommend
MIRROR GIRLS by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 2/22)
A gothic horror novel about twin sisters separated across the color line after the murder of their parents (YA historical fiction/ magical realism/fantasy).
CT Lit: “MIRROR GIRLS was a great discussion starter and the perfect book to read with a group. It took us out of our comfort zone and was eye-opening, a reminder that segregation is not so far in the past. We are transported to the South—and blatant racism —which as a group of white women living in Connecticut, we don't have experience with. We follow twin sisters Magnolia and Charlie, separated at birth—one raised as Black in New York City and one raised as white-passing in the Deep South— who learn the secret everyone has kept from them. The novel portrayed how indoctrinated people were, and in some cases ready to push racism aside when it would benefit them. We discussed how Charlie's view on life differs after growing up in the more liberal Harlem and compared it to growing up in Connecticut and traveling in different areas in the United States. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy Brit Bennett's THE VANISHING HALF.”
Page Ladies: "We all enjoyed this historical fiction with a paranormal twist that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The book offered many different topics, generating a nice discussion: the time period, the girls as individuals, their different upbringings and when they came together, the decision to separate them and not tell them about each other, and much more! A wonderful story about twin girls Charlie and Magnolia who were separated after their parents died for love across the color line and have no idea the other exists. Magnolia. raised in Georgia, is the white heiress to a cotton plantation. Charlie, raised in Harlem with her Nana, is a young Black organizer. When Charlie's grandmother falls ill, they return to Georgia. When the girls do meet Magnolia discovers her reflection has disappeared. They couldn’t be more different, but they will need each other to put the hauntings of the past to rest, break the mirrors’ deadly curse, and discover the meaning of sisterhood in a racially divided land. Seeing the girls come together to create that sisterly bond was wonderful, as is the writing, and pacing. The curse and the ghosts added an interesting twist to the story.”
Girls Clubhouse: "We all enjoyed MIRROR GIRLS and we tried to capture the supernatural aspect of the book with mirror images” Charlie and Magnolia both born in the South but separated at birth live separate lives but face the double threat of racism and ghosts. We discussed how ‘Colored Town ‘is equally foreign to both girls, despite being born there; contrasting with where they were each raised. Magnolia knows the rules of the general area, while Charlie knows how things are done —how stories are told, some traditions. The concept of the veil as the place between this world and the afterlife was used by the author also as the place between the white world and the colored world, which made this gothic story much more intriguing than if it had been singularly used. This forces both girls to examine who they are and what they are willing to live with. Members enjoy supernatural books, and the idea of ghosts to help guide the characters was appealing. We found it to be a ‘light’ supernatural read. We recommend to clubs who enjoy gothic young adult novels."
KU Endowment: "Everyone loved the book. Some members were pleasantly surprised by the way supernatural elements were combined with social commentary and realistic events. The author was able to shine a light on the atrocities of slavery and segregation without being heavy-handed and shows us a playbook for fighting back through the strong and determined sisters, Charlie and Magnolia. The past can haunt us but that doesn't mean it has to control us, and love will conquer hate. One member discussed the book with her 86-year-old mother, who shared memories of her experiences during segregation. We all felt hopeful and inspired by the book and loved the characters. We talked about what it would be like not to know your origins and what would inspire someone to fight against things they know are wrong when it could cost them everything. We recommend to those that enjoy strong characters, historical fiction, and being inspired."
The Revivals Book Club The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas; Zoom-Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma
THE CICADA TREE by Robert Gwaltney, Jr.
A novel about an 11-year-old, whisky-drinking, piano prodigy who encounters a wealthy family of supernatural beauty.
The Revivals: “Have we missed out on a genre of remarkable books or were we gifted a gem in a genre we might not have read? The debut novel THE CICADA TREE soared to the top of the 2022 best reads. We dare you not to highlight dozens of richly written sentences; our galleys are filled with colorful post-it notes. The discussion questions gave deeper insight into the themes and allegories we hadn’t considered. We agreed that the book fit into genres of southern gothic, magical realism, and coming-of-age. We explored biblical allegories: good and evil, Jesus, John the Baptist, Cain and Abel, plague, water, and fire. Once every 13 years, the cicadas emerge in tremendous numbers to mate and disrupt human life and comfort; some believe they hold our secrets. Gwaltney has a gift for bringing all together in an unforgettable book appealing to multiple genres and readers. We discussed how music and the song of the Cicadas featured prominently, and the writing allowed us to hear the music as the book’s climax approached. There are themes of coming-of-age, transformation, and rebirth. Gwaltney poetically foreshadows the storyline early as the story’s protagonist, a typical tween experiencing growing pains, insecurity, and self-recrimination sheds her childhood as a cicada does. Triumphing over evil, the novel reaches an angelic and lyrical end. There are as many ways to love this book as there are to interpret it–we dare you to read it! We all loved this novel.”
Menu: Iced Tea, Autumn Apple & Feta Salad, Watermelon Salad, Feta, Mint; Skillet Cheddar Cornbread, Southern Pecan Praline Cookies, Coffee on a garden patio.
Zoom-Chilly Thrillies: We had a great time reading and discussing THE CICADA TREE, a wonderful match that pushed us out of our comfort zone, with its unique blend of genres— historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. This was a unique story! We agreed it was unpredictable and gave much to discuss. Some words members shared to describe the writing style and story were: Gothic, descriptive, imaginative, twisted, mystical, humorous, innocent, and unpredictable! We were excited about the discussion and most finished it quickly-after the halfway point, unable to put it down.
"We discussed symbolism, class differences, racism, religion, southern culture, character motivations, and family relationships. and how the main character was looking up to a family she aspired to. We discussed our childhood oddities, raised by the mention of the character's liking the feel of pain. We enjoyed that it was told through a child's lens, while dark but the child's perspective ensured curiosity and humor even when horrifying things are happeningThe writing is creative and descriptive and made us think about things such as how you hear music in a new light. The ending was haunting and beautiful and there were many shocked reactions!
"We also discussed the movies or books we thought possibly influenced the author, including REBECCA, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and MEAN GIRLS., We are eager to read Gwaltney's next novel!"
Menu: “Iced tea was sipped!"
Famished for Fiction: “A wonderful opportunity to read a complex story with a bit of mystery and unexpected twists and turns. Our group is diverse, and open to new and different genres, and appreciated the opportunity to discover this book. We discussed the focus of music and its impact on the progression of the story. Music is a major theme throughout the piece, whether it is the music Mr. Mayfield had composed for his wife or the musical virtuosity of the Mayfield children. We explored the cicada's presence: cicadas are seasonal and burrow in the ground, so they are equivalent to all of the secrets that are buzzing around the town of Providence, connecting the Mayfields to Etta Mae and Analeise, and the link between their molting and the growing pains the main characters are experiencing.”
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Books and Brew, Allendale, Michigan; Carrollton Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas;
BluStocking Literacy Society, West Allis, Wisconsin
THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET by Sara Ackerman (Mira, 8/22)
A brilliant female code breaker and a pilot on a top-secret mission come together in this dazzling story of love and intrigue set during America’s darkest hour.
Ranch Readers: Our book club enjoyed this book as we read a non-fiction WWII book about codebreakers and many have traveled to Hawaii so both the theme and setting are familiar. The storyline was realistic and we enjoyed the dual timelines with relevance at the end of the book when the characters are planting a memorial garden on the plantation. We discussed our mother's vital roles during the war, such as working in a war plant, how women were disregarded and treated as second-class citizens, and the situations where the same treatment happens today.We discussed our Hawaiian travels: topography, lava fields, ocean conditions, and coffee plantations. Those that have visited the Mauna Kea Hotel described it. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy historical fiction and WWII stories.”
Menu: “Banana chocolate chip cake/ banana pudding topping, tropical fruit salad, Huli-huli Chicken.”
BluStocking Literacy Society: “A perfect match! We enjoy historical fiction/mystery that pulls us in and we all anticipated the discussion. We discussed the timeline and connections between the two eras, and the uncertainty that women codebreakers felt reflected by Lu as she struggles to establish herself as a journalist. Isabel walked a line between expressing her intelligence and thoughts and second-guessing herself and stepping back. It was fascinating to consider women in a secret intelligence role and the obstacles they had to overcome.”
Menu: "Wacky Cake, a classic chocolate cake born of necessity for WWII rationing.”
Carrollton Book Buddies: “A brilliant female codebreaker. An ‘unbreakable’ Japanese naval code. A pilot on a top-secret mission that could change the course of WWII. My book club loved THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET! The dual timeline novel is set in Hawaii. We enjoyed discussing the amazing roles women played in World War ll. While most of us decided we'd have been secretaries, one member thought the radar plotter sounded like a fit. We appreciated that there were those that worked as mechanics, pilots ferrying planes, medics, and of course, the codebreakers! The Dungeon where the codebreakers worked and the men in charge were a hot topic-the smoke, the drinking, the snobbery, all appalling. Just the thought of approaching the stairs and entering drew lots of remarks! We read the author's explanation of the difference between codes and ciphers and concluded the codebreakers were brilliant! We discussed survivor's guilt, the way Germans, Italians, and the Japanese were treated here in the states, and men in power and misuse of that power. We appreciated the way the threads were all tied up by the ending, though a surprise. The stunning descriptions of the Mauna Kea Hotel and the surroundings have us all wishing for a trip to Hawaii. We appreciated the brilliant, unique roles of women in war."
Menu: "We met at tropical Tommy Bahamas restaurant for a chopped salad with shrimp, coconut shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Tacos. Tropical beverages included. Cloud Coconut Martinis and Jalapeno Margaritas."
Books and Brew: "The story takes place in 1943 and 1965. It's 1943, and Isabel Cooper, who has lost her older brother in the attack on Pearl Harbor, is working as a code breaker, solving Japanese naval codes. Isabel seizes an opportunity to solve codes in Hawaii to locate her brother’s friends and learn about his life. In Hawaii, she stumbles into a life-changing mystery. In 1965, aspiring journalist Lu Freitas is traveling to the Mauna Kea Hotel for its grand opening, when she befriends a famous woman. When her new friend disappears, Lu investigates and soon uncovers a missing link to the past. We discussed women in history, World War II, the relationship between the main character to her friend and her brother's friends, her internal struggle, and women's roles during the war. I was so grateful to have received this book early for my book club! I was so immersed in the characters and their story, I couldn't put it down! Five stars!"
Reading is My Cardio, Smithfield, Rhode Island; Bookish Ladies, Coto De Caza, California; Next Chapter, Leesburg, Virginia
SIX DAYS IN ROME by Francesca Giacco (Grand Central, 5/22)
A young artist travels to Rome to heal a broken heart, where she confronts loneliness and intimacy, rage and desire in this debut novel.
Reading is My Cardio: "We adored this lyrical and atmospheric debut! It was refreshing to read a book with realistically flawed characters and where not everything gets tied up in a perfect bow. This character-driven story explores relationships in so many forms - family, romantic, and with one's self - and the writing is just beautiful. Truly a perfect book for summer, transporting us to Rome for a captivating six days. We discussed how this isn't a book with a lot of plot and yet it kept us interested throughout. We loved the writing and many of us highlighted passages that we shared and discussed, and the group also touched on whether we'd be able to travel solo as the main character did. Another subject that came up was how the narrative is almost stream of consciousness which some of our group enjoyed more than others. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy being transported to another place and appreciate character-driven books about self-discovery."
Menu: "Italian-themed cocktail party featuring charcuterie, Aperol Spritzes, and a gelato bar for dessert."
Bookish Ladies: "SIX DAYS IN ROME was beautifully written We enjoyed the food and descriptions around Rome! We loved how the book was written in terms of description and character development. It was a lighter, summer read. We felt l the character had a lot to work out but she never quite figured out what it was so there were a lot of questions left up for interpretation."
Menu: Italian rosé, homemade flatbreads with Italian pesto, mozzarella, fresh basil, aged balsamic, and roasted tomatoes.
Next Chapter: “Everyone agreed that Francesca Giacco's writing was beautiful,—and it was fun to read her book looking for food and drink that members can make and enjoy at book club! Emilia heads off on a six-day trip to Rome—it was supposed to be a romantic trip with her then-boyfriend Michael. but that’s not possible as he is married! With six days in Rome, Emilia will have time to reflect on why it wouldn’t work, why she deserves better, and time to enjoy the food and wine on her trip. We discussed what we thought happened to Michael: we had differing opinions to whether he had died or was with someone else or married. During her trip, she reflects on her relationship with her father and brother, and has lots of yummy food and drink throughout. We were happy that she met someone new and Emilia Is able to focus on herself and her art. Her six days in Rome weren’t what she had planned when she booked the trip, but sometimes better things come out of bad situations. Ah, the magic of Italy! One of our members took her book to Rome and shared photos."
Menu: “We enjoyed Aperol Spritz cocktails, a charcuterie board, tiramisu, and wine-soaked grapes”.
THE GOOD SISTER by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 2021)
A psychological thriller about the lies that bind two sisters.
Peoria Book Rack: “We agreed it was fast-paced and a quick read. The story keeps you guessing as you try to figure out the family dynamic between sisters Rose and Fern. the journals, their relationship with the mom, the twists! We also discussed Hepworth's versatility as an author. She has a solid list of backlist books that many of us are excited to check out! We recommend for book clubs that enjoy family thrillers.”
Thrillers by the Book: “Everyone loves Sally Hepworth, and this was a favorite! A likable main character and a fun story. We talked about representation in books, and the importance of character-driven books, and how her writing style is relatable and easy to read."
Novels N Latte: “Perfect for our club. We love good twisted family dynamics, and this sister story gave us a lot to discuss, including Fern's autism spectrum and which was actually the good sister.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, East Lawrence High School Book Club of Trinity, Alabama, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, and North Wales Area Library Book Club, Pennsylvania
DARK AND SHALLOW LIES by Ginny Myers Sain (Penguin Teen, 2021)
A supernatural thriller about a teen girl who disappears from her small town deep in the bayou, where magic festers beneath the surface of the swamp.
Reckless Readers: The story hooked the teens— they enjoyed the love story and the witchy aspect, and our adult readers also loved the book. We included teen daughters who wanted to join, and teachers and librarians in the group who wanted to preview it before ordering for their locations. A few of them have not read YA books, so it was a nice and unexpected change for them. We liked the Southern setting, and how the author submerged us in Bayou. From gigantic gators ( Willie Nelson) to psychic abilities, shapeshifter, and Aurora readers, this book is a full experience. The end was shocking and fit the story. We recommend this book for those that enjoy a hint of magic within a southern setting.
Menu: "Southern delights mentioned in the book: Honey’s Pralines, Willie Nelson’s Gator Piss cocktail—with Midori, lime juice, rum, sweet & sour mix, and seltzer—Cajun wings and shrimp dip."
North Wales Area Library: “Our group had one of the best discussions we can remember!”This was an excellent selection and discussion. The book brought the Louisiana bayou setting to life. One member was raised in the area and she especially thought the setting description was spot on. The group wondered why the word ‘shallow’ was included in the title: The lies did not seem shallow. We debated the killer, books were pulled out and theories shared. The hurricane preparation made for interesting reading. We discussed why an outside investigation might not have happened. All said they would read another Sain book and looked forward to the next book in the series. We hope to have our adult group discuss DARK AND SHALLOW LIES with our teen book club! Our group rates books with 1-5 stars. The lowest rating in the group was 4.5! We recommend this book to clubs who enjoy reading outside of the box.”
ELHS Book Club: “Thank you for providing yet another wonderful book for our students! We discussed the setting bayous, swamps, cypress trees, alligators, shrimp boats and houses on stilts. The author did an excellent job painting a picture for the reader. We also discussed mental illness which is woven into the plot through a couple of characters via subtle behaviors and downright craziness.
Menu: jambalaya, gumbo, and pistolette rolls.
Book Club Girls: “Don't be turned away by the YA label, this book is for all ages. It was completely off our radar as far as genre, and many readers gave it five stars, and couldn't believe it was a debut novel. One member stayed up until 5 am to finish— she just had to know the end! The writing was fantastic. We discussed the book is marketed as a YA title, however, NONE of us are near that demographic We felt the characters could be aged up to the 30s and 40' and still make sense—they were just as vital to the storyline as the plot. We felt the novel touched on mystery and supernatural themes but also the deep-rooted impact of emotional trauma that shapes us. We discussed how keeping secrets buried for so many years by everyone caused so much heartache and pain. If truths were told from the start, what would the lives of the children have been like?? A great evening with lots of thoughtful discussions and fun had by all."
Menu: Hurricane Punch, crawfish, gator bites, cajun fried catfish, and cornbread.
Lit Ladies Read Book Club of Melbourne, Florida and Thrillers by the Book of Costa Mesa, California
THE YOUNGER WIFE by Sally Hepworth, (St. Martins Press, 4/22)
A new novel of domestic suspense that delves into a tangled web of family secrets, and lies.
Lit Ladies Read: "We loved this book and had a great discussion, which centered on the theme of perceived reality. We had a great debate about whether Stephen was actually an abuser or just misunderstood. The epilogue raised more questions than provided answers. Our group had varying opinions depending on which character’s perspective we were discussing. We all enjoyed the ambiguous nature of the ending and agreed it was very clever. It was a lot of fun to discuss our own opinions and debate what we believed to be the truth. Some of our members took the book at face value, while others questioned what we had read and what we believed to be the truth.
"We liked how the story was told with alternating points of view and followed along easily when the perspective changed. The book dealt with some serious topics but was written in a very light-hearted way that made it a quick enjoyable read."
Menu: “Heather would have been proud! We met at a country club, in true Aston fashion. We had Mahi tacos and quesadillas in honor of Rachel and Darcy’s first date.”
Thrillers by the Book: "A perfect match! We’re big fans of Sally Hepworth! We loved the intriguing vibe the author created by not revealing right away who was involved in the accident from the opening scene. The story is based on many factors, dysfunctional family dynamics, abusive relationships, addiction, mental issues, and so many juicy secrets. We enjoyed Sally’s writing style and the characters she created. Sally has a way of making her characters very relatable and down to earth. We also enjoyed how she connected a piece of her real-life to one of the scenes in this book. Some of the secondary characters seemed to love Stephen but Heather and his kids suspect him of being abusive. The ending left us wondering if Stephen was in actual fact abusive. The women around him suffered a lot of 'accidents' but it’s never clear if they were really accidents or intentional. We recommend this title for book clubs that enjoy a family drama with a hint of suspense. Thank you for spoiling our book club!"
Page Ladies of Cleveland, Ohio, Bibliobibuli of San Diego, California, and HAH Reading Club of Kaukama, Wisconsin
THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY by Sherri L. Smith ((Penguin Young Readers, 2//20)
From the award-winning author of Flygirl comes this powerful WWII romance between two Japanese teens caught in the cogs of an unwinnable war.
Page Ladies: “Thank you for sharing this amazing, compelling, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking story about life in Japan during World War II. We were surprised by how much research went into it, and we are always interested in books that can teach us something. The story switches between Taro and Hana's perspectives so we see two sides of the story and what each experienced. Could we imagine being Hana, having to take care of the kamikaze pilots and then say goodbye to them, knowing that they will more than likely die? We talked about Hana and the pilot—how they felt at the beginning of the book versus the end— as well as the choices that surprised us and whether we would do the same. This was an emotional read and the pace moves well with the story."
Bibliobibuli: “Our members enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY, and our chat with author Sherri Smith was especially enjoyable. The novel is a fictionalized account of young kamikaze pilots and the teen-aged girls who provided platonic camaraderie and emotional support to them during World War II. Smith employs lyrical prose to introduce the reader to war-torn Japan and the youth culture that rallied around Emperor Hirohito. We appreciated learning more about the Japanese perspective on World War II. Hana’s disparaging remarks about Americans made us realize that we had never heard from the youth of Japan about the events of the war."
HAH Reading Club: We really enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY and its different perspectives on World War II We discussed how the novel reminded us of the current situation with the Ukrainian and Russian war. The author talked about remembering so it doesn’t happen again, and we discussed how emotional we felt about the abuse, propaganda, and conditioning that happened to prepare the civilians and boys for the war.
We compared how the reading of trauma and the emotional impact, ranges based on the age of the reader. We discussed the comparison of how being ready for death in a moment you can’t control, such as a reaction to an air raid, and the premeditated preparation of the pilots to body-crash was handled and how the author gave us both views. We also found how the invasion was perceived after all the preparations made to fight to the death as the expectation from the government. We recommend this novel to clubs looking for an emotional experience with a dive into other cultures."
THE STORIES WE TELL: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by Joanna Gaines (Harper Select . 11/8/22)
The first solo memoir from the Magnolia co-founder.
We met at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Shops at Creekside in Frisco, Texas, a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Gaines' own design style, making it the perfect location for our discussion."
Get Lit: "We’re all fans of Chip and Joanna’s and enjoyed learning more about her. Chip is so funny and Joanna always appears to be calm, so it was interesting learning about her childhood and the difficulties she faced.
Jensen Beach County Club's Womens Book Club of Florida, The Wine Club With a Book Problem of Acworth, Georgia, and Blu Stocking Literary Society of West Allis, Wisconsin
THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS by M.J. Rose (Blue Box, 2/23)
A tale of two passionate women— a famous jewelry designer who fights to protect her company and rescue the man she loves, and an auctioneer whose gifts reveal a secret that endangers her very life,
Jensen Beach County Club: “We loved the descriptions of the jewelry that Suzanne Belperron made and the majority of us had researched Suzanne's designs after reading the book.A good match for our book club. We enjoy historical fiction or books with strong women. This novel features a dual timeline— France, 1942, and New York, 1986. Suzanne is a sought-after jewelry designer in France and her longtime lover and business partner, Bernard has been arrested by the Nazis. Violine is an appraiser for an auction company in 1986 and has been approached by Paul Osgood about selling family antiques. While visiting his home, she discovers a hidden compartment in a vintage Louis Vuitton case containing WWII-era jewelry. Violine is gifted with learning the history and secrets of objects she touches, and their owners and realizes that the jewelry has a long and tragic history. Violine and Paul work together to discover the history of the case and the jewelry. We discussed how Dixie and Suzanne demonstrated this in their work for the resistance movement."
Menu: "French rose wine, croissants, olives, brie, baguettes with French butter, chocolate mousse, cheesecake, dark chocolate squares, and cappuccino."
The Wine Club With a Book Problem "THE JEWELER OF STOLEN DREAMS is a captivating and powerful story that grabs you from the first page— a good match for as we like historical fiction with strong women. We enjoy books in which we learn something new, and the story prompts us further investigate a topic—in this case, Suzanne Belperron, one of the most innovative jewelers of her time, and her jewelry designs. This intriguing story explored Suzanne Belperron's courage and those who participated in the French Resistance by helping Jewish families leave France. We liked the novel's alternating dual timelines—Paris 1942 and New York 1986—which link Suzanne and Violine, an art historian/appraiser with a supernatural gift. We noted that this is the first book we've read that involves psychometry.”
Rose has written a beautiful and descriptive story. We recommend this book to those that enjoy magical realism, suspense, and World War II fiction."
Menu: "Brie, apples, Classic French Salad (romaine, tarragon, chives, walnuts with a lemon vinaigrette, Ina Garten's Bouef Bourguignon, Mashed Potatoes, macarons. truffles."
Blu Stocking: An excellent selection for our club. This story was fascinating and the psychometry was an interesting twist. We enjoy reading about real people in history within a historical fiction context. While the characters are placed in a fictional story, there is much to take away. Several of us did some research on Suzanne Belperron and her jewelry designs. We also like the alternating timeline. robust discussion. We discussed psychometry's 'unbelievable' aspect juxtapositioned with an equally 'unbelievable' period of history as the holocaust. Also, we talked about the courage and actions of people in this world that are so brave and committed even in the face of personal danger, as well as the variety of themes—determination, strength of character, hope, faith, and love in all its incarnations, lovers (Suzanne/Bernard/Jean), friends (Suzanne & Dixie) and love of country/places (France)”
Curious Book Club, Frederick, Maryland; St. Louis Women’s Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; First Saturday Book Club, Pensacola, Florida
PRACTICE GIRL by Estelle Laure (Penguin Teen, 5/22)
A novel about a girl who rejects her label and decides for herself who she is to the world—about reputation and double standards,
Menu: We met at a diner because there was a diner in the story!
First Saturday Book Club: "We had a great discussion about PRACTICE GIRLan honest, moving YA read that should be in the hands of more teens. PRACTICE GIRL offers a strong look at what it means to participate in a relationship and the need for teens to understand the ramifications of sex and responsibility and dedication to relationships. The author writes with emotional depth—we feel everything Jo goes through, and we root for Jo to win at wrestling and life. It’s clever, charming, and poignant.
We discussed teenage behaviors: that Jo was not responsible for Sam kissing her yet she is blamed, how girls need to have girl relationships so they have support, the importance of family, taking others into consideration while establishing boundaries, and understanding the relationship before sex. Also, that growing up and having friendships change is difficult but a part of growing up. We all enjoyed this coming-of-age novel, recommended for this for groups that enjoy YA lit with emotional depth."
Happy Bookers, Linn Missouri, Lit Ladies Read Melbourne, Florida, and St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; and Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York
WEYWARD by Emila Hart (St. Martin's Press, 3/23)
A novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world
Happy Bookers: “A gem of a book with resilient female characters is our favorite GalleyMatch to date.”- on a novel weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries— a story of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world, read with galleys from
“Hart has given us much to ponder in a most bewitching tale. Altha, Violet, and Kate will long stay with us for their resilience and fortitude. We agreed that witchcraft isn’t accomplished through spells, but by their connection to the world around them -— and that was most appreciated and enjoyed. We cheered at the comeuppance of the perpetrators who caused harm both physical and mental to the female characters. We discussed the plight and strength of women over the ages dealing with similar treatment. The three women characters were enthralling. The author wove the three timelines of the Weyward women’s lives together expertly. Their plight, resourcefulness, and special powers along with their ties to nature and their strength to survive amidst adversity and ill-treatment earn these characters a place in your heart. The short chapters breeze along while keeping the depth of the characters and story strong. Highly recommended by our group to fellow readers. The perfect fall read. The perfect anytime read! Cannot wait to read more from this author.”
Menu: Orton stew (chicken and rice soup) W pendant cakes(cupcakes), Witches sticks and twigs (fried tortilla strips), Cottage dip (cowboy caviar), Crow Bars (brownie bites), Insect Wings(corn chips), Graham Crackers(saltines and wheat thins), and Morgs(moon drop grapes)in a member’s backyard and woods for our book reenactments."
Lit Ladies Read:“ We loved everything about this book! This is a very compelling read that highlights the connection between women, family, and nature."
WEYWARD is a beautifully written story about the strength and resilience of three different women. The story is told in alternating timelines, in different centuries leaving the reader to wonder how these women are related. The Weyward women all face similar, yet different, hardships of violence, abuse, and expectations of society that they must overcome. The women all have a very strong connection to nature and find strength and inner peace through this connection. The alternating timelines advance the story and keep you wanting more. The descriptive language paints a clear picture, and we loved the alternating timelines—each character's story was compelling and gave a feel for what these women had to endure. We spent quite a bit of time discussing the treatment of women who were deemed ’weird’ throughout history. It is frightening to think that there was a period in history when women could be labeled witches and executed based on nothing more than conjecture and failure to conform to societal expectations. Altha's storyline, in particular really highlighted how ludicrous the idea of witchcraft really is and how scared people were of anyone who was different. Another hot topic was domestic abuse and how difficult it can be for abused women to escape their abuser. Both Kate's and Violet's stories dealt with physical and sexual abuse that required both women to find the strength to remove themselves from their situations. We recommend for those who enjoy stories about women finding their inner strength to overcome hardship.”
Menu: Witching Hour Cabernet Sauvignon and witch hat cupcakes.
St. Louis: "WEYWARD was intense, honest and deeply connected to today’s time The three timelines and main character add layers of interconnected themes and details. At first glance, these are very different women but ultimately all face similar situations. We discussed feminism and the growth of women throughout time, how the patriarchy impacts women’s abilities to make choices, and Nature vs nurture—these women all were born to be Weyward, not raised to be Weyward.
Recommended for those who enjoyed THE LOST APOTHECARY by Sarah Penner; three perspectives or time periods in stories; the power of nature; books about powerful women and the ability to be strong despite the circumstances and external environment. This book has some trigger warnings that I think all readers need to be extremely mindful of before reading (physical/verbal abuse, parental abuse, rape, pregnancy loss, abortion, jail).
Reading Between the Wines: “This book was a perfect match for our club. We all enjoyed this story of three women from the same family line at different points in time. There was so much to discuss here: our connection to the natural world, overcoming trauma, giving yourself grace, and the strength and resilience of women, feminism, women’s connection to the natural world, family legacies, and overcoming trauma We thought the author did a great job incorporating the interconnected stories of Althea, Violet, and Kate. Recommended to book clubs that enjoy women’s fiction, historical fiction with dual timelines, and a touch of magical realism.
Menu: "Food to honor the garden at Weyward cottage, including veggie crackers with garden vegetables, and basil cheese, roasted vegetable pizza, and fresh veggies with hummus. We also had blueberry scones with jam and tea and biscuits as a nod to the English settings in the book."
Longwood Ladies, Goshen, Kentucky and Colonies Book Club, Yorkville, Illinois
ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE by Noelle Salazar ( Mira,/ HTP, 11/22)
A story inspired by true events, about courageous women who risked everything for their country, family, and each other
Longwood Ladies: “ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE was a great book club book.We all loved learning about a neutral country. It was a new take on that era that we all really enjoyed! We discussed how much we learned about the World War II era, We talked a lot about and enjoyed the fact that it shined the light on a true sister act. It was the first historical fiction I’ve read that took place in the Netherlands during World War II. It was a refreshing change to hear the trials from a neutral neighbor. The characters were easy to relate to and love and my heart was wrenched by their bravery and struggles. We fell in love with the characters —they were strong, intelligent, patient women right from the start and their growth and determination were astounding. We recommend ANGELS to those who enjoy historical fiction and reading about strong women! If you enjoyed THE LILAC GIRLS, ROSE CODE, or Salazar’s first book, FLIGHT GIRLS, you will enjoy this historical fiction. We all thank you immensely!”
Colonies Book Club: "Some members were in tears throughout this beautifully told story of two young sisters who risk everything for their homeland during World War II. Our members loved this book. Some comments: A heart-wrenching read that is full of tenderness, resilience, courage, brutality, and devotion. The author did a great job of opening our eyes to the hardships of living through Nazi occupation Salazar demonstrated how strong the bonds of sisters, family, and friends are in a powerful way. This story is told from the perspective of a young teenage girl and how innocence is lost through the actions necessary to fight the evil that ripped her country apart. We were unfamiliar with the occupation of the Netherlands and learned about their struggle with starvation and freezing during the last years of the war. We couldn’t imagine girls getting involved with the resistance and what they were willing to do for their country. We all felt the guilt that Lien carried throughout her life over her little sister's death and the catalyst that was for her to join the resistance. We loved the epilogue and the closure it gave us about all of the character
Literary Lovelies, Yonkers, New York; Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut: CT Lit Club, Milford, ConnecticutTHE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins(St. Martin's Press, 1/23)
A gothic suspense novel set at an Italian villa with a dark history.
Literary Lovelies:" We all loved the book! This book has books within the book!”-“We discussed both storylines and if we found ourselves drawn to one story or the other. Susan loved the dual timelines and thought the Mari storyline felt like a movie! We also discussed whether we saw that Mark and Chess were together. A lot of people had thoughts on Chess! We decided she was either a Love or hate character. We also discussed if you have to like the characters to like a book. Chelsey thought the book reminded her of Rachel’s other books and talked about her distinct writing style. We loved how easy it was to read, and enjoyed the epistolary chapters that enhanced the story. We felt the book wrapped up a little quickly and we wished that Emily had stood up for herself a little more! But the Italy location was a favorite of ours as well as the slight gothic style of the Mari plot line. We recommend THE VILLA to clubs that enjoy dual timelines in beautiful settings! Thank you so much for this opportunity!"
Menu: "We meet virtually, but enjoyed some limoncello while reading the book! Emily and Chess are a little over-served on limoncello their first night in Italy."
CT Lit Book Club: This book had us in a heated discussion about what we would do if we were in the main character’s situation. We found ourselves in a coffee shop yelling about dead husbands and realized we probably should put our books on the tabble so other patrons see we are actually discussing a book!!
“We were excited to preview a Rachel Hawkins title! The majority of us have read THE WIFE UPSTAIRS and RECKLESS GIRLS, along with some of her Erin Sterling books.
We had high expectations for THE VILLA, as it is highly anticipated by the bookstagram community. Overall, we expected it to be more ‘thrilling’, but we enjoyed it and were enthralled wondering what was going to end up happening and how the two stories of what took place at the villa were going to bridge together. One member described her reading experience as the story ‘always having an air of suspicion to keep her intrigued.’ We really loved the setting of the villa in Italy and loved the throwbacks to the 70s! We recommend this book to those that enjoy drama, and books like BIG LITTLE LIES.’
Reckless Readers: "Everyone loved the book, rating it Hawkins’s best yet!"- “This is our second GalleyMatch for a Rachel Hawkins book, and we were very excited! Most members read THE VILLA in two sittings We could not wait to rant about the characters we hated, dissect the twists, and gush over the amazing setting. There was a lot of early chatter in the week before our meeting — those that finished it early could not wait to have our discussion.
The level of betrayal among friends was the biggest discussion. We loved the setting, the dual timelines, and the parallels between them. The twists were nonstop and unexpected, which kept us page-turning. The dual timelines made the story. Going from Emily & Chess presently staying at the Villa, to Mari in 1974, the reader gets the full picture of what really happened at The Villa Aestas. Both stories have parallels that are frightening. It seems that you can’t stay at the Villa without it taking someone from you. There are love triangles, friendship deceits, thrilling reveals, and murder to fit everyone’s appetite. It’s dark and atmospheric in ways we have never seen from Rachel Hawkins. She packed so many surprises into this book, but the last chapter is the biggest. There was a hot debate among the group on whether that last chapter was even necessary. How many twists are too many? We recommend if you enjoy big twisty thrillers that grip you until the end —add it to your preorder list! It's out in January, and will be on everyone’s hot list for 2023!"
Menu: “Italian lemon theme to match book: lemon basil pasta salad, lemon ricotta hot cheese dip, limoncello cocktails.”
Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Riverside Readers, Plain City, Ohio; Amy's Book Club, Boulder Colorado
A LIGHT IN THE FOREST by Melissa Payne (Lake Union, 2022)
An emotional and suspenseful novel about the weight of secrets and the healing power of friends and family.
Riverside Readers: “We loved the Ohio setting and although Crystal was a made-up town, we have been to similar small towns and could picture the intent while we read. We appreciated the fun and quirky characters with a hint of underlying mystery in the book. don't know. We discussed the small town, the stereotypes, and the reality, not all small towns in Ohio are like that but we knew why the author picked to use the stereotypical poor/mining town in Appalachia. The timelines coordinated well together with the flashbacks. The characters of the small town were unique and we liked how they interacted with each other—they balanced the trauma. The reader's guide for this book was great. Thank you! We love being introduced to new authors and this time it helped build a new small community of readers, as this is a new book club."
We discussed which of the lovable/heroic characters we enjoyed the most and whether Vega was a hero or a victim;, the pacing of how quickly Vega developed community in Crystal, secrets and why they should be kept or told; our reactions to Vega checking Instagram and our internal screamings at her of what we wanted her to do, the town's support of Eve, and what would happen next for all of them. We recommend A LIGHT IN THE FOREST to book clubs that enjoy complicated relationships and a multi-decade mystery to unravel." Melanie’s Book Club:" We loved the opportunity to preview A LIGHT IN THE FOREST. We are reading another Melissa Payne book this month, as a result! Everyone had positive comments and the book made for great conversation. One member who is stingy with book ratings gave our selection 5 stars. This is a thoughtful, well-written book that discusses real-life issues with great character development. A main discussion point was the different social issues addressed in the book and that the author didn't 'preach' about them. Our group has many teachers and nurses in it and this made an impact on us, especially since we see these issues in the lives of our students and patients. We appreciated the character development and that through the different points of view, we were able to put pieces of the puzzle together before Vega did, yet it didn’t take away from the mystery. This book is a must-read! We look forward to seeing if her other books have a similar writing style and theme."
Madame Woods Book Club of Wiscasset, Maine, and Book Club Girls of Sparta, New JerseyTHE WAYS WE HIDE, by Kristina McMorris (Sourcebooks, 2022)
We discuss the intricacies of the story and how relatable the main character was. McMorris thoughtfully and seamlessly transitions from a story of romance, into a detail-oriented spy novel, and keeps the reader o n the edge of their seat in anticipation of what direction the story and characters would go next. She challenges the reader to keep up with current and past storylines, all while inserting historical events, distracting the reader - they are well intertwined into the characters' lives and the book’s storylines. THE WAYS WE HIDE offers a variety of themes that would appeal to a large readership. So many beautiful moments, even in the last chapters of the book, that offer a sweet and real conclusion.”Book Club Girls of Sparta: "We enjoyed reading about a part of history we did not know of.Most of us were unaware of the Dutch involvement in the resistance or hadn't heard of this chapter of history where women recruited into the resistance worked on inventing escape aids that were hidden in things like games, and the hiding of clues and maps in ordinary objects was interesting to learn about. The resounding takeaway was the fact that so many people risked everything to help the resistance, to help other humans stay safe. Many questioned whether they would be as brave, especially being a woman. We found the most connecting part of the story was Fennas; bravery, and fearlessness even though she had deep trauma from the fire. We recommend THE WAYS WE HIDE to groups interested in historical fiction about new pieces of World War III history and strong female protagonists."Menu: Tea and speculoos cookies.
Brunch & Books Club, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Literary Fires Everywhere, Cortland Manor, New YorkTHE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center, (St. Martin's Press, 7/22)
A romantic and humorous romance about a bodyguard, and the movie star she's hired to protect, as they work to keep things professional under crazy circumstances
Brunch & Books: “We discussed the main character’s growth. Everyone enjoyed the love story, but seeing how the character grew into herself from start to finish was what really stood out. She gained confidence and self-respect that she didn’t have at the beginning and that really resonated with members. The discussion questions prompted a good conversation that brought to mind parts of the story we might not have discussed.
I Ioved this fun and funny book with every piece of my heart. It was my first Katherine Center novel and it felt as if I was sitting with a BFF listening to her tell e this hilarious and heartwarming story. 10/10! The Author’s Note alone is worth 5 stars. Don’t skip it! Recommended for those who enjoy funny, happy love stories! We’re so appreciative of the opportunity! “
Literary Fires Everywhere: "We all enjoyed this book. I am definitely not a regular rom-com reader— I usually find myself rolling my eyes at plots that make others swoon— but I really did love this book. It’s super cute, engaging, and the characters feel real. Even the setting popped right off the page! Definitely recommend grabbing this one!
Hannah has been hired to be a bodyguard to Jack, a Hollywood burnout who would prefer not to have a bodyguard. The pair have palpable chemistry, and I quickly found myself rooting for them. We are not huge romance readers and we’re all pleasantly surprised that it was both fluffy and deep, a un reads with a bit of drama. We all loved the touches and the author’s descriptions. (The Bush steak knives)."
Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; and Bookish Ladies, Coto de Caza, CaliforniaHESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese (St. Martin's Press, 10/4/22)
A vivid reimagining of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne, the tragic heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and a journey into the enduring legacy of New England's witchcraft trials.Get Woke: "HESTER’s message empowered us! As Laurie Lico Albanese writes, Hester Prynne is ‘a heroic woman who defies powerful men and vengeful villagers by wearing the symbol of her shame like a badge of courage.’ Heroic women! May we be them and may we raise them!”A major symbol, incorporating the books' themes, was Isobel's sewing skill and her ability to design and stitch beautiful patterns and scenes that revealed emotions and contained hidden messages.
Each member of the book club was asked to bring a bottle of wine (or another beverage of choice), containing a label that could reflect a 'hidden' message or theme of the story. Our discussion involved each of the members presenting her wine and describing the label, revealing aspects of the novel. These included PROPHECY WINES— The label’s images relate to the supernatural world, and scenes with shooting stars. Isobel struggles to accept her power, and the woman on the label exhibits power.*TEMPTATION AND EVE—Depicts Eve tempting Adam. Isobel’s community shuns her as a witch when she becomes pregnant. EVE elicited discussion on the Bible story – Isobel notes its message about untrustworthy women. GNARLY HEAD WINES—summarizes many characters' mental states: Hawthorne struggles with his family history of witch trials. Isobel struggles with her artistic creations and powers. *KALEIDOSCOPE:— Isabel’s gift enables her to create beautiful designs and messages on clothing and understand others’ emotions. WITCHING HOUR: summarized the novel’s mystery, fantasy, excitement, and passion.
Menu: A ‘community rice bowl’ is symbolic of the support and encouragement women shared in the novel. Member brought ingredients. Along with the theme of wine, dessert bars were labeled ‘Primitive Nuts’: many characters reflect this title!
We also shared a representation of each member’s name created by a woman with synesthesia.”We thought character of 'Hathorne' -- what the author calls Hawthorne-- could have been developed a bit further as he seemed shallow and his treatment of Isobel seemed dismissive. The social issues of the time were well highlighted by the author with a concurrent story of the Witch Trials in Salem, the plight of fleeing saves using the Underground Railroad, the mistreatment and victimization of women who had no rights, the struggles of prejudice that immigrants face in America We enjoyed the novel and feel it is going to become a best seller - it was definitely a compelling read!
Menu: Bee-shaped tea cakes and chocolate and lemon lavender scones to enjoy with tea and coffee.
Bookish Ladies: "Everyone enjoyed the book and a fresh reboot of The Scarlet Letter. The author did a wonderful retelling and we loved the characters and the story. We had a great discussion and we’re so happy to have this fun experience. We highly recommend HESTER! One member loved the book so much that she took a trip to Salem - ok it was a brilliant coincidence that she was going there!"
Menu: "Many colorful vegetables mentioned in the book."
Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas and Cork and Olive Book Club, Valrico, FloridaHALF-BLOWN ROSE by Leesa-Cross Smith (Grand Central, 2022)
A novel about a woman remaking her life after her husband’s betrayal leads to a year of travel, art, and passion in Paris.
Famished for Fiction: “We had a great time discussing HALF-BLOWN ROSE! This book really stretched us!" We discussed infidelity quite a bit: some members felt that the current problem —the marriage— needed to be resolved before embarking on another adventure—a relationship with Loup. We discussed that Vincent and Loup being independently wealthy contributed to their ability to just 'do as they pleased'. Vincent runs off to Paris; she and Loup travel by train to visit Theo, and family. Her family’s laid-back attitude when she shows up with Loup is a bit shocking; but, put into the context of their family, it made sense. SPOILER ALERT: We felt the ending left questions unanswered...maybe a sequel is in the plans? We would love to know if Vincent will return to Cillian, stay with Loup or go out on her own. We felt she was d searching for her freedom by leaving Kentucky and fleeing to Paris; but, in the end, becomes more tied down with the pregnancy. We recommend this book to those who enjoy Paris, romance, art, and secrets."Menu: We loved that the novel was set in Paris so we met at a French restaurant, Toulouse Cafe & Bar for quiche, Toulouse salad, lobster rolls, lobster risotto, and rose-themed drinks: French 77 and Rose all-day punch."
Cork and Olive: We looked forward to HALF-BLOWN ROSE, as we enjoyed Leesa’s novel THIS CLOSE TO OKAY and this did not disappoint! We enjoy her writing style—a phenomenal writer!” There was much discussion about whether Vincent should have led her husband on, whether it was wrong for her to be with Loup before a decision about her marriage, and whether she should have reached out to Tully and his mother. No one liked Cillian's actions and would have preferred Vincent to end her marriage if she was going to go be with someone else. We discussed Vincent's relationship with her children and the growing relationship with Tully, who we loved. There was concern that Vincent spent more time on Tully with her children, although we know that she loved them - she just didn't share as much of herself with them. We all want an epilogue!! We agreed that we needed to know what Vincent decided. Some hoped she kicked both Cillian and Loop to the curb, stayed in Paris, and raised the baby herself. Some thought she might have both... We loved that she decided to just do whatever she felt— eat pastries, sleep during the day, do whatever her spirit felt, while she proces
sed this punch in the gut to her life.
We enjoyed the references to food, art, books, and music. It was SO brilliant that Leesa created Vincent's Spotify playlists. We were delighted to see videos and references to characters on @anchoismusic. What a great way to bring the book to life! C'est bon bon bon! We recommend this novel to those who enjoy travel, art, and passion.”
Menu: "Our menu featured foods referenced —wonderfully varied and not all French! Cranberry Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes, Chickpea Stew, Fig Jam and Cheese with crackers, Rosemary Flatbread with Hummus and Olives, Pain au Chocolat, Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies, and of course, Champagne!
Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Literary Lovelies of Yonkers, New York Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Finer Things Book Club of Brentwood, CaliforniaTHE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK by Ellen Marie Wiseman (Kensington, 8/22)
The story about the Willowbrook State School, the Staten Island mental institution that shocked a nation when exposed in the 1970s as a dumping ground for unwanted children.
Sensational Seven: "We are fortunate to read this new novel from a favorite author! Once again, Ms. Wiseman has so eloquently written about another of our nation’s past social injustices. We compared our strong responses to the novel with other books with difficult topics. She has shed light on a piece of our history that is so important to learn about. Her take on Willowbrook through the eyes of sixteen-year-old, Sage Winters, was a riveting ‘page-turner.’ When Sage discovers her twin sister, Rosemary, was alive and had been institutionalized for years at Willowbrook; she courageously heads to the school to rescue her. We discussed our emotional responses in realizing that these atrocities occurred in our lifetime and in our country Our discussion centered on how the children’s parents felt after learning the truth of events at the ‘school.’ We were sad and horrified over Willowbrook, and had for the staff and media who were crucial to its closure. We felt grateful for the advancement in care and treatment of the mentally ill and incapacitated members of our society today.”
Menu: "Our take on related food/drink: White chicken chili, representing the colorless mush that residents at Willowbrook were served daily. We also drank Tequila Sunrises, a popular cocktail in 1972, using orange juice. In the novel, the nurses mixed medication in orange juice to keep the residents sedated. No meds were used by our book club- only tequila and grenadine in the OJ!”
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “We enjoy historical fiction and mystery and this was the best of both worlds!”Some members recently toured a State Hospital in Michigan and were able to compare what they learned with Willowbrook. Ellen Marie Wiseman joined us via Zoom to answer questions about how she researched the book and where the ideas came from— including the big twist. It was especially fun because she had been at the memorial at Willowbrook the day before and was able to tell us about meeting some of the doctors and attendants who helped to blow the whistle, per se. We discussed society during this time, and why it was often recommended for parents to place children in a place like Willowbrook. We discussed how parents could see their child in that state, not say anything- many of us agreed that during that time, people deferred to 'authority’ and took the doctors at their word. Today, parents question and challenge authority, especially when it comes to doctors and teachers. We agreed this was one of the saddest stories we had heard and had time wrapping our heads around the fact that while it’s a fictional story the setting, conditions, and many of the characters were real. We also didn’t see the twist coming (Ellen said that even her editor didn’t see that one!).”
Menu: "Pancakes and bacon, a build-your-own-oatmeal bar, and orange juice —spiked with champagne instead of sedatives, as in the book."
Literary Lovelies: "This was truly a fascinating book that led to a great discussion about mental health. We couldn't believe it was based on a true story! We all loved this fascinating story, and it was heartbreaking to know it was based on a real situation. The subject matter was difficult but we all enjoyed the historical fiction and somewhat true crime genre in this well-written and detailed novel. Wiseman graphically describes the school, where employees brutalize and demean their residents. It’s after a reporter sneaks into the facility— the journalist is Geraldo Rivera, who was instrumental in getting the facility rehabbed and shut down —that light is shed on these inhumane conditions. We discussed the women brought to this facility, mental health, and the management of those needing special care. It was terrible that couldn’t speak up for themselves, and that no one ever checked on them This dark and gritty story will stay with us for a long time—it was so interesting and led to a fabulous discussion. This is my first time reading this author and I will be looking for more of her books."
Elizabeth's Book Chat, Frisco, Texas; Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey; North Wales Area Public Library; PennsylvaniaWHEN WE LET GO by Rochelle Weinstein
A novel about mothers and daughters, loss and acceptance, the lessons that come from heartbreak, and the healing it takes to embrace the joy of a second chance.Elizabeth’s Book Chat: "A wonderful match We had a very lively discussion with author Rochelle Weinstein and the book was so well received. Everyone loved it! There were different elements of the story that each of us could relate to which made it even more interesting. The author's style of writing is genuine and heartfelt. As we read the words on the page, we also were able to actually feel the emotions. What was very interesting was when members asked Rochelle where the idea for the tree came from. The response kept everyone chatting for a while. Great interaction!”
Book Club Girls Sparta: “A new author to us, and this moving story was enjoyed by all. Many could relate to the protagonist's profound level of loss and trauma and how one moment in her young life altered her future relationships with those closest to her. Trauma, grief, mother-daughter, sister, family, forgiveness, strength, and courage were all key factors that resonated with our readers. We discussed the importance of self-care and women surrounding themselves with people they can trust and open up to, and give themselves permission to move on and heal. We enjoyed the mother/ daughter theme. Read this moving novel if you are looking for a story of mothers, daughters, first love, second chances, and the powerful bond of sisters. “
Over-Readers Anonymous of Cumming, Georgia, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, Wine Club with a Book Problem, Woodstock, GeorgiaOVERKILL by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 8/22)
A crime thriller in which a conflict of conscience between a former football star and an ambitious state prosecutor swiftly intensifies into a fight for their lives.
Reckless Readers: "OVERKILL satisfied the thriller need, romance desire, and contemplative fiction we all love. It was an excellent book club book that sparked much conversation: the question of whether or not we would want to stay alive, or if we could actually pull the plug ourselves on a loved one, after being in a coma with no brain activity. The characters had moral and religious struggles with this choice, and we empathized with them. We loved the spicy romance in the book —with much discussion about how much more of it everyone wanted—as well as the direction of the story. Eban’s character sent us on another heated conversation about entitlement and the evils that wealth can add to an already evil person’s being. Sandra Brown did an excellent job of making us hate him, and kept us page-turning hoping for a better outcome. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy a little romance in their thriller, and heavy discussion points."
Menu: "Our drink—the Blue Overkill (vodka blue Curacao, and pineapple juice) was tasty, like Zach, and packed a punch like Kate. Paired with charcuterie."
Over-Readers Anonymous: “We recommend OVERKILL for those who enjoy crime fiction, suspense thrillers, and contemporary issues with a little romance thrown in! Our book club has enjoyed several Sandra Brown novels, they're entertaining and also touch on issues that lead to a deeper discussion. We discussed the ethical dilemma at the foundation of OVERKILL and delved into medical ethics, end-of-life planning, the characters, the plot, the judicial system, and the celebrity spotlight. As we all have roots in the south, we liked the Atlanta, New Orleans, and North Carolina settings. OVERKILL was action-packed and easy-to-read."
Menu: “As a BBQ menu was suggested by the author, met at a local restaurant for pulled pork!." (see Sandra Brown's recipe)
Book Club Girls: "An enjoyable read with developed characters an incredible, setting, and suspense well paced throughout the book. We discussed what we would do if faced with the same situation as Zach even though none of our members have had to face this situation. What many of us thought should have been a clear-cut choice, as we wove through the narrative we came to understand that there were so many layers to this that came into play that it wasn't as simple as we believed in the beginning. The most hated character was the villain Eban and although he is fictional, we agreed there are real people in the world like him. When you are so wealthy that you can make so many disastrous choices as a human with no consequences was highlighted. What would have happened to someone else who wasn't as wealthy? Also, we all agreed that no one really thought about Rebecca, until they were forced to, which led us to agree it was unacceptable for her to continue to be victimized in a way for so very long. But, if she was allowed to let go in the beginning, there wouldn't be as much of a plot line for the book. Loved the premise of the story, it gave lots of topics for discussion.
Menu: "We recommend bbq, pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans, and any tailgating type of foods that would be a nod to North Carolina and football."
Wine Club with a Book Problem: "OVERKILL is a good thought-provoking story. The topic of life support and having your affairs in order gave us a good discussion, and we enjoyed the setting of Atlanta since we live in the area. Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger has MPA for his ex-wife, Rebecca, who has been placed on life support after a violent assault. Zach has kept Rebecca on life support for 4 years to honor her parent's wishes. The attacker, Eban, gets an early release from prison and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. If Rebecca were to die, Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off and put Eban back in prison. We discussed that no one really thought about Rebecca. Zach was concerned about how he would be portrayed by the media, her father keeping her alive to punish Zach, and Eban boasting how his father's money got him out of prison early and now he can bet back to partying. It was unacceptable to keep Rebecca on life-support for so long.
Menu: "There are many football analogies and football references throughout the book. We put together a Tailgate Football Menu: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Balsamic Fig Infused Burger Bites, Wings, Homemade Salsa & Chips plus Guacamole, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pizza Pepper Poppers."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; CT Lit, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Kings Chapel Book Club Arrington, Tennessee,ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir (Penguin Teen, 3/22)
A contemporary novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.
Reading Between the Wines: "We all enjoyed the book and thought the author did a wonderful job of creating flawed and 'real' characters that we grew to care about."This was a great match for our club. Our discussion included immigrants' struggles to preserve their culture while trying to achieve the American Dream, the nature of generational trauma, the opioid crisis, and the role of faith in people's lives- so many things to discuss! We became invested in the characters of Noor and Sal and the traumatic events that they and their families, experienced impacted us, and provided a lot of jumping-off points for discussion. Watching their growth throughout the novel gave it a hopeful ending. We loved this book and were fully invested in these characters, and reading it was a very emotional journey. Recommended to clubs that enjoy books discussing contemporary themes, strong characters, and emotional reads.
Menu: We met at a local Indian/Pakistani restaurant to enjoy food discussed and eaten in the novel: chai tea, poori, halwa, Chicken Kashmiri, and paratha, among other dishes!
Page Ladies: “We went in expecting a contemporary story about friendship and forgiveness but what we got was so much more. Thank you, Sabaa Tahir, for sharing this devastating but absolutely beautiful story with us! This is a powerful story that affected each of us differently. It's one that will stay with us for a long time. Until The Fight Salahudin and Noor were more than friends; they were family. Now, Sal is struggling with keeping his family's motel afloat as his mother's health fails and his father loses himself to alcoholism. Meanwhile, Noor is working at her uncle's liquor store and hiding the fact that she’s applying to college so she can escape him and Juniper forever. Sal and Noor must ask themselves what friendship is worth and what it takes to defeat the monsters in their pasts and the ones in their midst. This is an emotional and moving story about friendship, forgiveness, and heartache; it’s like taking a deep dive into a pool full of emotions. Grief, betrayal and forgiveness, loss, rage— you will feel every single one and more in this book. No one from our book club was able to finish this book with dry eyes. There are so many topics that were brought up and all were not easy to discuss: death, drugs, prejudice, and physical abuse. The writing is absolutely wonderful—Sabaa Tahir is a fabulous storyteller. She has a way with words that touches each of her readers.“
Get Woke Book Club “Members arrived with books displaying colorful post-it tabs, which visually reflected the common greeting, 'there is so much to think about in this novel!A group of mothers and grandmothers very much enjoyed the novel by a young adult author and its detailed and realistic picture of the struggles that immigrants face in relocating to the United States and of the family traditions and secrets that follow the immigrants to their new home. The culture and religious traditions of Pakistan were vividly described in an engaging storyline and beautiful prose. The main plot follows the lives of two Pakistani teens, who are struggling with school, personal tragedies, and love. They are surrounded by other well-drawn characters who add depth to the story. We discussed the many plot lines and themes: diversity, forgiveness, hope, family relationships, communication, secrecy, and loss. Tahir fills the novel with music, probably an excellent technique for adolescent readers—they can easily relate to the messages and emotions through familiar songs. Noor uses songs and their lyrics to help cope with the conflicts in her life.
Members shared selfies with short reflections: “Music plays a role in helping us deal with life’s adversities.* When is a relationship worth salvaging? *Fortunately forgiveness does not have an expiration date. It waits and always hopes to be the last word. *Peeling through the complicated layers of life we can see, appreciate and begin to understand one another. * One of my favorite quotes ‘Great passions grow into monsters in the dark of the mind; but if you share them with loving friends they remain human, they can be endured.’ * Tahir effectively introduces sections with lines from Elizabeth Bishop's poem, “One Art. Many characters ‘lost’ things: family, money, businesses, dignity. A lesson we all may need is that losing isn’t always bad.: 'the art of losing’s not too hard to master’ *While keeping a secret is meant to protect someone at some point, keeping that secret might be doing more harm.”
CT Lit Book Club: "We’ve been exploring new genres, and we enjoyed ALL MY RAGE, a heartbreaking story that touches on a lot of sensitive topics which gave us plenty to discuss.ALL MY RAGE introduced us to Pakistani culture. This young adult story follows two Pakistani teens growing up in a small town in California and the grim realities of their American dream. Even through difficult times their cultural norms held them together as a family, even if not by blood, the young adult characters are each facing their own struggles—the death of a loved one, racism, alcoholism, drugs, abuse— they are navigating grief, failure, and forgiveness, and must ultimately lean on one another to make sense of the chaos they are facing. It was shocking to imagine our younger selves in situations like these and we spent time reflecting on how the kids navigated various situations. One that stood out is how Salahudin and Noor dealt with the drug bust, and how their relationship persevered. We also discussed how Salahudin came to terms with his abuse. We recommend ALL MY RAGE for clubs learning about other cultures, family drama, and historical fiction."
Kings Chapel: “Thank you for the chance to read this insightful novel. We had a fabulous discussion and I think it was good to read outside our usual genres. This is a heart-wrenching story about two teens from Pakistani families living in Juniper, California, dealing with tough circumstances, basically all by themselves. We don’t read much YA, It was out of the comfort zone for most of the ladies. but the tough topics represented in this story, such as grief, alcoholism, physical abuse, and racism, were easier to handle in the Young Adult format. Understanding why the characters made the choices they did was something we discussed quite a bit. As teens, they made decisions that were wrong but for the right reasons and it was interesting to get in the minds of these teens and try to understand why. As parents, it was hard to read at times, feeling so sad for these kids who have had such a hard life. But seeing them grow and learn from mistakes and stand up for others, gave the book a nice redemption quality in the end. Recommended for groups that enjoy YA coming of age and social justice."
Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut, Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma;
Lit Ladies Read, Melbourne, Florida; Thrillers by The Book / Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas;
Thrillers by The Book / Costa Mesa, California, CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut recommend:
THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK by Jennifer Hillier (Minotaur 7/22)
Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.
Reckless Readers: An excellent match! Everyone was excited to talk about the twists. We had much to discuss with THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK. Members were messaging before we met, needing to talk about the book as they were finishing it. It was like a month-long meeting, behind the scenes! Usually, if continuous discussion is prompted, the book was a hit. To say the book was twisty is an understatement. This book was twisty than a country back road! A few of us seasoned readers predicted the big twists, but most of us were surprised and shocked. Together, we all needed to unload about the horrendous mothering and terrible situations that Joey was put in throughout her childhood. All of the women in our group are mothers, which makes the book hit us so much harder. But the book wasn’t just about sexual abuse and trauma. There is a high-profile murder that could potentially unearth secrets that need to be kept hidden. The conversation got animated when we discussed Joelle's charge with murder, and there was much discussion about the relationship between Ruby and Joey. As mothers, we found it hard to imagine how Ruby could treat Joey the way she did and put her in such horrible situations. It was heartbreaking and disturbing ."
Chilly Thrillies: “Thank you for giving our group the gift of a 5-star read, a perfect match! We were engaged from start to finish and loved how much there was to discuss. It had the thrills of a book with great character development and storyline. We discussed narcissism and how it affects relationships, specifically parent-child, how the way you are raised affects your instincts and perspective of others, fight or flight and how we would react in certain scenarios in the book, sexual abuse, and its long-term effects, age gap relationships and how people can be evil, but the 'lesser evil.’ We debated which storyline in the dual timeline was more action-packed—something hard to accomplish. Normally, we’re more interested in one storyline, We each were able to predict one of the twists, but we're stumped on the others and loved that there was more than one twist revealed. I was so impressed, I read Hillier’s JAR OF HEARTS. Recommended for those who enjoy a page-turning thriller with complex characters that you root for."
Menu: We made a Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe similar to what Paris makes towards the end of the book (she used pork instead of chicken). We were inspired by her description of how learning to cook was so special when she was going through such a dark time.
Lit Ladies Read: “We enjoyed this twisty, thriller/mystery. and had a very lively discussion! We had so much to discuss. We enjoyed the storytelling, shifting between past and present. and different points of view. This really helped to fully develop the characters. Although some predicted twists, we were still engrossed in the story and wanted to see how things played out.
“Our discussion centered around the characters and their relationships. One of our favorites was that between Jimmy and Paris and the highlight of our discussion was the relationship between Paris/Joey and Ruby. We disagreed about how adult Paris should have handled Ruby and decided that we had to agree to disagree about our feelings towards Paris, but we all agreed that this book was a hit for our group. The mystery is multi-layered, with deep characters. Many members put other books by this author on their ‘to be read’ list."
Thrillers by the Book Club, DFW: "This was our best GalleyMatch, perfect for our group and for book clubs that like dark and twisted mysteries“We all loved how the book started with a very intriguing and captivating scene Joey’s background was very interesting and her relationship with her mother was so toxic. There are a few mysteries in the story. Besides trying to find out if Paris murdered her husband, we’re also trying to work out Paris’ past, how did she go from living with an abusive unstable mother, who is now in prison, to living a wealthy life married to a famous celebrity? I enjoyed Paris’ past the most I loved the intensity in the chapters that focused on Paris’ childhood and upbringing. Ruby, her mother, was such an intriguing and complex character—a terrible mother, self-centered and irresponsible, which caused Paris a lot of pain and uncertainty. While a few members predicted the twist, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this dark and suspenseful story.”
Thrillers by The Book, Costa Mesa: “This was an excellent pick for our club! The majority liked or loved this one! Some said it was one of their favorite picks of the year. Many of the members enjoyed the mystery of learning about the murderer in the end, and the alternating timelines of the female main character. There were a variety of opinions about who committed the crime.”
CT Lit Book Club: "This was the perfect match for us! We have been craving a thriller and this was on all of our anticipated release lists. We all enjoyed the book, and were so excited to have a chance to preview it! We discussed how jam-packed this book was with plot points. There was much to hold your attention and give you room to try and predict what would happen. We loved how creative Hillier is— there is one scene in specific that was so creative and will leave us remembering the book forever! (hint hint, ice skates). Half of us had read another book by Hillier, and we all agreed that we want to read more Hiller titles."
The Ladies of Autumnwood, Grand Isle, New York, Mom and I Book Club of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, recommend:
THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT BY Lynda Cohen Loigman (St. Martin's Press, 9/20/22)
An intergenerational story about two women—a grandmother and granddaughter—who share the same incredible gift: the ability to identify soulmates
The Ladies of Autumnwood: We loved THE MATCHMAKER’S GIFT! Reading about Raskin’s pickles and the knish shops brought back wonderful memories of shopping at a pickle store in lower Manhattan barrels with barrels on the sidewalk and enjoying a great knish. These memories, among other topics, helped to round out our animated discussion last night. Members didn’t know much about ‘yentas’ or matchmakers and their role in creating Jewish courtship relations. We enjoyed learning about the bravery of the young girl, who beyond the fact that she was Jewish opened our eyes to the challenges of women, not unlike what some have to endure to break that glass ceiling today."
Menu: “We enjoyed Challah and red wine, and took home jars of pickles that I designed with a Raskin’s label.”
My Mom and I: “This pick was perfection. Not only did it match our love of magical realism but we agreed it’s the best book we’ve read this year. You found the perfect book for us!”
“We discussed magic, love, strong women, lovable characters, and the absolute beauty of the writing. We recommend this book to those who enjoy magical realism, foodie fiction, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. The author wrote a book that we treasure and we’re raving about it to everyone. This is a book that you feel like hugging at the end. We absolutely loved it. It’s a gem! “
Menu: "A smorgasbord! We had a blast capturing foods mentioned in the book lox and capers, cornichons— we decorated pickle jars with ‘The Pickle King’, as in the book. We had magical color-changing butterfly tea, as we wanted some magic to go with the story, and chocolate babka for dessert, like our beloved characters baked.
St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; Mom and I Book Club, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania; Pittsford Moms Book Club, Pittsford, New York, and Port Wine and Book Society Readers, Port Washington, Wisconsin recommend:
OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen (St Martins, Press, 8/30/22)
A novel about a young woman who claims her deceased mother's apartment in an island town, where she meets she meets quirky and secretive neighbors.
St. Louis Women’s Book Club: "A great match! We felt like this was the perfect mix of themes, giving us questions and a variety of topics to discuss. Having an arc made us feel like ‘VIPs’ to the publishing process. This novel was cozy, nostalgic, and heartfelt! Allen’s characters help redefine the word ‘family’ in the most beautiful way. We discussed the definition of home and chosen family, food as a love language —and inspiration for potlucks for book club!! The setting—so realistic and magical, the imagery of the birds and the meaning. OTHER BIRDS takes you on a magical journey of youth, delicately balancing both beauty and sadness. We recommend this book to clubs who are fans of magical realism. It was fuzzy, cozy --the perfect happy read."
Menu: "We made amazing foods to match the book: cornmeal air-fried tomatoes, potato chips on Hawaiian rolls, Mac & cheese, cornbread, Palomas, and marshmallow popcorn."
My Mom and I: "Thank you for a rare opportunity to preview our favorite author’s new book! Sarah Addison Allen's first novel GARDEN SPELLS introduced us to our favorite genre, magical realism. I saved the book for the perfect moment and then tore into it. After waiting eight years for her new book I knew I’d read it too quickly and, that’s what happened We are Italian and loved the ‘found family’ theme and 'food is love' philosophy running through the novel. We enjoyed the foodie talk, animals, ghosts, and magical elements. All characters and storylines were interesting and mysterious; sometimes beautiful, but sometimes ugly but always interesting. Several big reveals had us slack-jawed!
While OTHER BIRDS is a little sadder and darker than her previous works, the magic and the love and the beauty left the reader with a love of the characters and a belief that as the characters live beyond 'the end' of the book all turned out well for them. And you will want that because you will be left loving nearly everything about OTHER BIRDS! We recommend this to those who like magical realism and foodie fiction."
Menu: "Cornmeal marshmallow dishes based on a character: Fluffernutters (marshmallow whip and peanut butter sandwiches), tamale pie stuffed peppers, cornmeal sugar cookies, and marshmallow-flavored lip balm as a keepsake."
Pittsford Moms: "We had so much fun with OTHER BIRDS! We loved this found family story and all the special characters! The novel was a good fit for our club. We try to switch up genres/authors and most members like books with some magic realism elements. We felt it was an easy read and generally flew through the book - Thanks! kept our attention. We loved the story of found family, the characters, and their backgrounds. Books with paranormal/magic realism can be hit or miss for most members but they worked well with this story and added background and historical context for many of the characters. We had a great discussion about the twists and the characters' diverse backgrounds— we would have liked a little more depth to some characters that had very traumatic backgrounds. We recommend OTHER BIRDS to groups that enjoy a touch of magic realism and found family stories!”
Menu: "S’mores bars— the story takes place on Marsh Island and all restaurants in town have something marshmallow on their menu.”
Port Wine and Book Society: "A great match for our club! We recommend this enchanting story written from the heart, with interesting characters and subplots.”Zoey was such a delightful, open and honest young character— we all adored her. We liked how the story unfolded by hearing different characters' viewpoints in each chapter. The Dellawisps added fun and interest, some of us thought they may have stolen Charlotte's money. We loved the descriptions of Mallow Island - we live in a small tourist town in Wisconsin and really identified with that. The highlighted passages in Lizbeth’s copy of Sweet Mallow were ironic because she didn't live her life according to any of them - she was so stuck in the past it literally killed her. We enjoyed a unique story, quirky characters, and the theme of food as friendship/love."
Menu: “The detail around food was great! We made several dishes with corn or cornmeal to celebrate it: Polenta and shrimp, fresh corn salad, corn dip and corn chips, and popcorn.”
CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; KU Endowment, Lawrence, Kansas; and Girls Clubhouse, Auburn, California recommend
MIRROR GIRLS by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 2/22)
A gothic horror novel about twin sisters separated across the color line after the murder of their parents (YA historical fiction/ magical realism/fantasy).
CT Lit: “MIRROR GIRLS was a great discussion starter and the perfect book to read with a group. It took us out of our comfort zone and was eye-opening, a reminder that segregation is not so far in the past. We are transported to the South—and blatant racism —which as a group of white women living in Connecticut, we don't have experience with. We follow twin sisters Magnolia and Charlie, separated at birth—one raised as Black in New York City and one raised as white-passing in the Deep South— who learn the secret everyone has kept from them. The novel portrayed how indoctrinated people were, and in some cases ready to push racism aside when it would benefit them. We discussed how Charlie's view on life differs after growing up in the more liberal Harlem and compared it to growing up in Connecticut and traveling in different areas in the United States. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy Brit Bennett's THE VANISHING HALF.”
Page Ladies: "We all enjoyed this historical fiction with a paranormal twist that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The book offered many different topics, generating a nice discussion: the time period, the girls as individuals, their different upbringings and when they came together, the decision to separate them and not tell them about each other, and much more! A wonderful story about twin girls Charlie and Magnolia who were separated after their parents died for love across the color line and have no idea the other exists. Magnolia. raised in Georgia, is the white heiress to a cotton plantation. Charlie, raised in Harlem with her Nana, is a young Black organizer. When Charlie's grandmother falls ill, they return to Georgia. When the girls do meet Magnolia discovers her reflection has disappeared. They couldn’t be more different, but they will need each other to put the hauntings of the past to rest, break the mirrors’ deadly curse, and discover the meaning of sisterhood in a racially divided land. Seeing the girls come together to create that sisterly bond was wonderful, as is the writing, and pacing. The curse and the ghosts added an interesting twist to the story.”
Girls Clubhouse: "We all enjoyed MIRROR GIRLS and we tried to capture the supernatural aspect of the book with mirror images” Charlie and Magnolia both born in the South but separated at birth live separate lives but face the double threat of racism and ghosts. We discussed how ‘Colored Town ‘is equally foreign to both girls, despite being born there; contrasting with where they were each raised. Magnolia knows the rules of the general area, while Charlie knows how things are done —how stories are told, some traditions. The concept of the veil as the place between this world and the afterlife was used by the author also as the place between the white world and the colored world, which made this gothic story much more intriguing than if it had been singularly used. This forces both girls to examine who they are and what they are willing to live with. Members enjoy supernatural books, and the idea of ghosts to help guide the characters was appealing. We found it to be a ‘light’ supernatural read. We recommend to clubs who enjoy gothic young adult novels."
KU Endowment: "Everyone loved the book. Some members were pleasantly surprised by the way supernatural elements were combined with social commentary and realistic events. The author was able to shine a light on the atrocities of slavery and segregation without being heavy-handed and shows us a playbook for fighting back through the strong and determined sisters, Charlie and Magnolia. The past can haunt us but that doesn't mean it has to control us, and love will conquer hate. One member discussed the book with her 86-year-old mother, who shared memories of her experiences during segregation. We all felt hopeful and inspired by the book and loved the characters. We talked about what it would be like not to know your origins and what would inspire someone to fight against things they know are wrong when it could cost them everything. We recommend to those that enjoy strong characters, historical fiction, and being inspired."
The Revivals Book Club The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas; Zoom-Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma
THE CICADA TREE by Robert Gwaltney, Jr.
A novel about an 11-year-old, whisky-drinking, piano prodigy who encounters a wealthy family of supernatural beauty.
The Revivals: “Have we missed out on a genre of remarkable books or were we gifted a gem in a genre we might not have read? The debut novel THE CICADA TREE soared to the top of the 2022 best reads. We dare you not to highlight dozens of richly written sentences; our galleys are filled with colorful post-it notes. The discussion questions gave deeper insight into the themes and allegories we hadn’t considered. We agreed that the book fit into genres of southern gothic, magical realism, and coming-of-age. We explored biblical allegories: good and evil, Jesus, John the Baptist, Cain and Abel, plague, water, and fire. Once every 13 years, the cicadas emerge in tremendous numbers to mate and disrupt human life and comfort; some believe they hold our secrets. Gwaltney has a gift for bringing all together in an unforgettable book appealing to multiple genres and readers. We discussed how music and the song of the Cicadas featured prominently, and the writing allowed us to hear the music as the book’s climax approached. There are themes of coming-of-age, transformation, and rebirth. Gwaltney poetically foreshadows the storyline early as the story’s protagonist, a typical tween experiencing growing pains, insecurity, and self-recrimination sheds her childhood as a cicada does. Triumphing over evil, the novel reaches an angelic and lyrical end. There are as many ways to love this book as there are to interpret it–we dare you to read it! We all loved this novel.”
Menu: Iced Tea, Autumn Apple & Feta Salad, Watermelon Salad, Feta, Mint; Skillet Cheddar Cornbread, Southern Pecan Praline Cookies, Coffee on a garden patio.
Zoom-Chilly Thrillies: We had a great time reading and discussing THE CICADA TREE, a wonderful match that pushed us out of our comfort zone, with its unique blend of genres— historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. This was a unique story! We agreed it was unpredictable and gave much to discuss. Some words members shared to describe the writing style and story were: Gothic, descriptive, imaginative, twisted, mystical, humorous, innocent, and unpredictable! We were excited about the discussion and most finished it quickly-after the halfway point, unable to put it down.
"We discussed symbolism, class differences, racism, religion, southern culture, character motivations, and family relationships. and how the main character was looking up to a family she aspired to. We discussed our childhood oddities, raised by the mention of the character's liking the feel of pain. We enjoyed that it was told through a child's lens, while dark but the child's perspective ensured curiosity and humor even when horrifying things are happeningThe writing is creative and descriptive and made us think about things such as how you hear music in a new light. The ending was haunting and beautiful and there were many shocked reactions!
"We also discussed the movies or books we thought possibly influenced the author, including REBECCA, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and MEAN GIRLS., We are eager to read Gwaltney's next novel!"
Menu: “Iced tea was sipped!"
Famished for Fiction: “A wonderful opportunity to read a complex story with a bit of mystery and unexpected twists and turns. Our group is diverse, and open to new and different genres, and appreciated the opportunity to discover this book. We discussed the focus of music and its impact on the progression of the story. Music is a major theme throughout the piece, whether it is the music Mr. Mayfield had composed for his wife or the musical virtuosity of the Mayfield children. We explored the cicada's presence: cicadas are seasonal and burrow in the ground, so they are equivalent to all of the secrets that are buzzing around the town of Providence, connecting the Mayfields to Etta Mae and Analeise, and the link between their molting and the growing pains the main characters are experiencing.”
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Books and Brew, Allendale, Michigan; Carrollton Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas;
BluStocking Literacy Society, West Allis, Wisconsin
THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET by Sara Ackerman (Mira, 8/22)
A brilliant female code breaker and a pilot on a top-secret mission come together in this dazzling story of love and intrigue set during America’s darkest hour.
Ranch Readers: Our book club enjoyed this book as we read a non-fiction WWII book about codebreakers and many have traveled to Hawaii so both the theme and setting are familiar. The storyline was realistic and we enjoyed the dual timelines with relevance at the end of the book when the characters are planting a memorial garden on the plantation. We discussed our mother's vital roles during the war, such as working in a war plant, how women were disregarded and treated as second-class citizens, and the situations where the same treatment happens today.We discussed our Hawaiian travels: topography, lava fields, ocean conditions, and coffee plantations. Those that have visited the Mauna Kea Hotel described it. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy historical fiction and WWII stories.”
Menu: “Banana chocolate chip cake/ banana pudding topping, tropical fruit salad, Huli-huli Chicken.”
BluStocking Literacy Society: “A perfect match! We enjoy historical fiction/mystery that pulls us in and we all anticipated the discussion. We discussed the timeline and connections between the two eras, and the uncertainty that women codebreakers felt reflected by Lu as she struggles to establish herself as a journalist. Isabel walked a line between expressing her intelligence and thoughts and second-guessing herself and stepping back. It was fascinating to consider women in a secret intelligence role and the obstacles they had to overcome.”
Menu: "Wacky Cake, a classic chocolate cake born of necessity for WWII rationing.”
Carrollton Book Buddies: “A brilliant female codebreaker. An ‘unbreakable’ Japanese naval code. A pilot on a top-secret mission that could change the course of WWII. My book club loved THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET! The dual timeline novel is set in Hawaii. We enjoyed discussing the amazing roles women played in World War ll. While most of us decided we'd have been secretaries, one member thought the radar plotter sounded like a fit. We appreciated that there were those that worked as mechanics, pilots ferrying planes, medics, and of course, the codebreakers! The Dungeon where the codebreakers worked and the men in charge were a hot topic-the smoke, the drinking, the snobbery, all appalling. Just the thought of approaching the stairs and entering drew lots of remarks! We read the author's explanation of the difference between codes and ciphers and concluded the codebreakers were brilliant! We discussed survivor's guilt, the way Germans, Italians, and the Japanese were treated here in the states, and men in power and misuse of that power. We appreciated the way the threads were all tied up by the ending, though a surprise. The stunning descriptions of the Mauna Kea Hotel and the surroundings have us all wishing for a trip to Hawaii. We appreciated the brilliant, unique roles of women in war."
Menu: "We met at tropical Tommy Bahamas restaurant for a chopped salad with shrimp, coconut shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Tacos. Tropical beverages included. Cloud Coconut Martinis and Jalapeno Margaritas."
Books and Brew: "The story takes place in 1943 and 1965. It's 1943, and Isabel Cooper, who has lost her older brother in the attack on Pearl Harbor, is working as a code breaker, solving Japanese naval codes. Isabel seizes an opportunity to solve codes in Hawaii to locate her brother’s friends and learn about his life. In Hawaii, she stumbles into a life-changing mystery. In 1965, aspiring journalist Lu Freitas is traveling to the Mauna Kea Hotel for its grand opening, when she befriends a famous woman. When her new friend disappears, Lu investigates and soon uncovers a missing link to the past. We discussed women in history, World War II, the relationship between the main character to her friend and her brother's friends, her internal struggle, and women's roles during the war. I was so grateful to have received this book early for my book club! I was so immersed in the characters and their story, I couldn't put it down! Five stars!"
Reading is My Cardio, Smithfield, Rhode Island; Bookish Ladies, Coto De Caza, California; Next Chapter, Leesburg, Virginia
SIX DAYS IN ROME by Francesca Giacco (Grand Central, 5/22)
A young artist travels to Rome to heal a broken heart, where she confronts loneliness and intimacy, rage and desire in this debut novel.
Reading is My Cardio: "We adored this lyrical and atmospheric debut! It was refreshing to read a book with realistically flawed characters and where not everything gets tied up in a perfect bow. This character-driven story explores relationships in so many forms - family, romantic, and with one's self - and the writing is just beautiful. Truly a perfect book for summer, transporting us to Rome for a captivating six days. We discussed how this isn't a book with a lot of plot and yet it kept us interested throughout. We loved the writing and many of us highlighted passages that we shared and discussed, and the group also touched on whether we'd be able to travel solo as the main character did. Another subject that came up was how the narrative is almost stream of consciousness which some of our group enjoyed more than others. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy being transported to another place and appreciate character-driven books about self-discovery."
Menu: "Italian-themed cocktail party featuring charcuterie, Aperol Spritzes, and a gelato bar for dessert."
Bookish Ladies: "SIX DAYS IN ROME was beautifully written We enjoyed the food and descriptions around Rome! We loved how the book was written in terms of description and character development. It was a lighter, summer read. We felt l the character had a lot to work out but she never quite figured out what it was so there were a lot of questions left up for interpretation."
Menu: Italian rosé, homemade flatbreads with Italian pesto, mozzarella, fresh basil, aged balsamic, and roasted tomatoes.
Next Chapter: “Everyone agreed that Francesca Giacco's writing was beautiful,—and it was fun to read her book looking for food and drink that members can make and enjoy at book club! Emilia heads off on a six-day trip to Rome—it was supposed to be a romantic trip with her then-boyfriend Michael. but that’s not possible as he is married! With six days in Rome, Emilia will have time to reflect on why it wouldn’t work, why she deserves better, and time to enjoy the food and wine on her trip. We discussed what we thought happened to Michael: we had differing opinions to whether he had died or was with someone else or married. During her trip, she reflects on her relationship with her father and brother, and has lots of yummy food and drink throughout. We were happy that she met someone new and Emilia Is able to focus on herself and her art. Her six days in Rome weren’t what she had planned when she booked the trip, but sometimes better things come out of bad situations. Ah, the magic of Italy! One of our members took her book to Rome and shared photos."
Menu: “We enjoyed Aperol Spritz cocktails, a charcuterie board, tiramisu, and wine-soaked grapes”.
THE GOOD SISTER by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 2021)
A psychological thriller about the lies that bind two sisters.
Peoria Book Rack: “We agreed it was fast-paced and a quick read. The story keeps you guessing as you try to figure out the family dynamic between sisters Rose and Fern. the journals, their relationship with the mom, the twists! We also discussed Hepworth's versatility as an author. She has a solid list of backlist books that many of us are excited to check out! We recommend for book clubs that enjoy family thrillers.”
Thrillers by the Book: “Everyone loves Sally Hepworth, and this was a favorite! A likable main character and a fun story. We talked about representation in books, and the importance of character-driven books, and how her writing style is relatable and easy to read."
Novels N Latte: “Perfect for our club. We love good twisted family dynamics, and this sister story gave us a lot to discuss, including Fern's autism spectrum and which was actually the good sister.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, East Lawrence High School Book Club of Trinity, Alabama, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, and North Wales Area Library Book Club, Pennsylvania
DARK AND SHALLOW LIES by Ginny Myers Sain (Penguin Teen, 2021)
A supernatural thriller about a teen girl who disappears from her small town deep in the bayou, where magic festers beneath the surface of the swamp.
Reckless Readers: The story hooked the teens— they enjoyed the love story and the witchy aspect, and our adult readers also loved the book. We included teen daughters who wanted to join, and teachers and librarians in the group who wanted to preview it before ordering for their locations. A few of them have not read YA books, so it was a nice and unexpected change for them. We liked the Southern setting, and how the author submerged us in Bayou. From gigantic gators ( Willie Nelson) to psychic abilities, shapeshifter, and Aurora readers, this book is a full experience. The end was shocking and fit the story. We recommend this book for those that enjoy a hint of magic within a southern setting.
Menu: "Southern delights mentioned in the book: Honey’s Pralines, Willie Nelson’s Gator Piss cocktail—with Midori, lime juice, rum, sweet & sour mix, and seltzer—Cajun wings and shrimp dip."
North Wales Area Library: “Our group had one of the best discussions we can remember!”This was an excellent selection and discussion. The book brought the Louisiana bayou setting to life. One member was raised in the area and she especially thought the setting description was spot on. The group wondered why the word ‘shallow’ was included in the title: The lies did not seem shallow. We debated the killer, books were pulled out and theories shared. The hurricane preparation made for interesting reading. We discussed why an outside investigation might not have happened. All said they would read another Sain book and looked forward to the next book in the series. We hope to have our adult group discuss DARK AND SHALLOW LIES with our teen book club! Our group rates books with 1-5 stars. The lowest rating in the group was 4.5! We recommend this book to clubs who enjoy reading outside of the box.”
ELHS Book Club: “Thank you for providing yet another wonderful book for our students! We discussed the setting bayous, swamps, cypress trees, alligators, shrimp boats and houses on stilts. The author did an excellent job painting a picture for the reader. We also discussed mental illness which is woven into the plot through a couple of characters via subtle behaviors and downright craziness.
Menu: jambalaya, gumbo, and pistolette rolls.
Book Club Girls: “Don't be turned away by the YA label, this book is for all ages. It was completely off our radar as far as genre, and many readers gave it five stars, and couldn't believe it was a debut novel. One member stayed up until 5 am to finish— she just had to know the end! The writing was fantastic. We discussed the book is marketed as a YA title, however, NONE of us are near that demographic We felt the characters could be aged up to the 30s and 40' and still make sense—they were just as vital to the storyline as the plot. We felt the novel touched on mystery and supernatural themes but also the deep-rooted impact of emotional trauma that shapes us. We discussed how keeping secrets buried for so many years by everyone caused so much heartache and pain. If truths were told from the start, what would the lives of the children have been like?? A great evening with lots of thoughtful discussions and fun had by all."
Menu: Hurricane Punch, crawfish, gator bites, cajun fried catfish, and cornbread.
Lit Ladies Read Book Club of Melbourne, Florida and Thrillers by the Book of Costa Mesa, California
THE YOUNGER WIFE by Sally Hepworth, (St. Martins Press, 4/22)
A new novel of domestic suspense that delves into a tangled web of family secrets, and lies.
Lit Ladies Read: "We loved this book and had a great discussion, which centered on the theme of perceived reality. We had a great debate about whether Stephen was actually an abuser or just misunderstood. The epilogue raised more questions than provided answers. Our group had varying opinions depending on which character’s perspective we were discussing. We all enjoyed the ambiguous nature of the ending and agreed it was very clever. It was a lot of fun to discuss our own opinions and debate what we believed to be the truth. Some of our members took the book at face value, while others questioned what we had read and what we believed to be the truth.
"We liked how the story was told with alternating points of view and followed along easily when the perspective changed. The book dealt with some serious topics but was written in a very light-hearted way that made it a quick enjoyable read."
Menu: “Heather would have been proud! We met at a country club, in true Aston fashion. We had Mahi tacos and quesadillas in honor of Rachel and Darcy’s first date.”
Thrillers by the Book: "A perfect match! We’re big fans of Sally Hepworth! We loved the intriguing vibe the author created by not revealing right away who was involved in the accident from the opening scene. The story is based on many factors, dysfunctional family dynamics, abusive relationships, addiction, mental issues, and so many juicy secrets. We enjoyed Sally’s writing style and the characters she created. Sally has a way of making her characters very relatable and down to earth. We also enjoyed how she connected a piece of her real-life to one of the scenes in this book. Some of the secondary characters seemed to love Stephen but Heather and his kids suspect him of being abusive. The ending left us wondering if Stephen was in actual fact abusive. The women around him suffered a lot of 'accidents' but it’s never clear if they were really accidents or intentional. We recommend this title for book clubs that enjoy a family drama with a hint of suspense. Thank you for spoiling our book club!"
Page Ladies of Cleveland, Ohio, Bibliobibuli of San Diego, California, and HAH Reading Club of Kaukama, Wisconsin
THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY by Sherri L. Smith ((Penguin Young Readers, 2//20)
From the award-winning author of Flygirl comes this powerful WWII romance between two Japanese teens caught in the cogs of an unwinnable war.
Page Ladies: “Thank you for sharing this amazing, compelling, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking story about life in Japan during World War II. We were surprised by how much research went into it, and we are always interested in books that can teach us something. The story switches between Taro and Hana's perspectives so we see two sides of the story and what each experienced. Could we imagine being Hana, having to take care of the kamikaze pilots and then say goodbye to them, knowing that they will more than likely die? We talked about Hana and the pilot—how they felt at the beginning of the book versus the end— as well as the choices that surprised us and whether we would do the same. This was an emotional read and the pace moves well with the story."
Bibliobibuli: “Our members enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY, and our chat with author Sherri Smith was especially enjoyable. The novel is a fictionalized account of young kamikaze pilots and the teen-aged girls who provided platonic camaraderie and emotional support to them during World War II. Smith employs lyrical prose to introduce the reader to war-torn Japan and the youth culture that rallied around Emperor Hirohito. We appreciated learning more about the Japanese perspective on World War II. Hana’s disparaging remarks about Americans made us realize that we had never heard from the youth of Japan about the events of the war."
HAH Reading Club: We really enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY and its different perspectives on World War II We discussed how the novel reminded us of the current situation with the Ukrainian and Russian war. The author talked about remembering so it doesn’t happen again, and we discussed how emotional we felt about the abuse, propaganda, and conditioning that happened to prepare the civilians and boys for the war.
We compared how the reading of trauma and the emotional impact, ranges based on the age of the reader. We discussed the comparison of how being ready for death in a moment you can’t control, such as a reaction to an air raid, and the premeditated preparation of the pilots to body-crash was handled and how the author gave us both views. We also found how the invasion was perceived after all the preparations made to fight to the death as the expectation from the government. We recommend this novel to clubs looking for an emotional experience with a dive into other cultures."
Melanie's Book Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Riverside Readers, Plain City, Ohio; Amy's Book Club, Boulder Colorado
A LIGHT IN THE FOREST by Melissa Payne (Lake Union, 2022)
An emotional and suspenseful novel about the weight of secrets and the healing power of friends and family.
Riverside Readers: “We loved the Ohio setting and although Crystal was a made-up town, we have been to similar small towns and could picture the intent while we read. We appreciated the fun and quirky characters with a hint of underlying mystery in the book. don't know. We discussed the small town, the stereotypes, and the reality, not all small towns in Ohio are like that but we knew why the author picked to use the stereotypical poor/mining town in Appalachia. The timelines coordinated well together with the flashbacks. The characters of the small town were unique and we liked how they interacted with each other—they balanced the trauma. The reader's guide for this book was great. Thank you! We love being introduced to new authors and this time it helped build a new small community of readers, as this is a new book club."
We discussed which of the lovable/heroic characters we enjoyed the most and whether Vega was a hero or a victim;, the pacing of how quickly Vega developed community in Crystal, secrets and why they should be kept or told; our reactions to Vega checking Instagram and our internal screamings at her of what we wanted her to do, the town's support of Eve, and what would happen next for all of them. We recommend A LIGHT IN THE FOREST to book clubs that enjoy complicated relationships and a multi-decade mystery to unravel."
Madame Woods Book Club of Wiscasset, Maine, and Book Club Girls of Sparta, New JerseyTHE WAYS WE HIDE, by Kristina McMorris (Sourcebooks, 2022)
We discuss the intricacies of the story and how relatable the main character was. McMorris thoughtfully and seamlessly transitions from a story of romance, into a detail-oriented spy novel, and keeps the reader o n the edge of their seat in anticipation of what direction the story and characters would go next. She challenges the reader to keep up with current and past storylines, all while inserting historical events, distracting the reader - they are well intertwined into the characters' lives and the book’s storylines. THE WAYS WE HIDE offers a variety of themes that would appeal to a large readership. So many beautiful moments, even in the last chapters of the book, that offer a sweet and real conclusion.”Book Club Girls of Sparta: "We enjoyed reading about a part of history we did not know of.Most of us were unaware of the Dutch involvement in the resistance or hadn't heard of this chapter of history where women recruited into the resistance worked on inventing escape aids that were hidden in things like games, and the hiding of clues and maps in ordinary objects was interesting to learn about. The resounding takeaway was the fact that so many people risked everything to help the resistance, to help other humans stay safe. Many questioned whether they would be as brave, especially being a woman. We found the most connecting part of the story was Fennas; bravery, and fearlessness even though she had deep trauma from the fire. We recommend THE WAYS WE HIDE to groups interested in historical fiction about new pieces of World War III history and strong female protagonists."Menu: Tea and speculoos cookies.
Brunch & Books Club, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Literary Fires Everywhere, Cortland Manor, New YorkTHE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center, (St. Martin's Press, 7/22)
A romantic and humorous romance about a bodyguard, and the movie star she's hired to protect, as they work to keep things professional under crazy circumstances
Brunch & Books: “We discussed the main character’s growth. Everyone enjoyed the love story, but seeing how the character grew into herself from start to finish was what really stood out. She gained confidence and self-respect that she didn’t have at the beginning and that really resonated with members. The discussion questions prompted a good conversation that brought to mind parts of the story we might not have discussed.
I Ioved this fun and funny book with every piece of my heart. It was my first Katherine Center novel and it felt as if I was sitting with a BFF listening to her tell e this hilarious and heartwarming story. 10/10! The Author’s Note alone is worth 5 stars. Don’t skip it! Recommended for those who enjoy funny, happy love stories! We’re so appreciative of the opportunity! “
Literary Fires Everywhere: "We all enjoyed this book. I am definitely not a regular rom-com reader— I usually find myself rolling my eyes at plots that make others swoon— but I really did love this book. It’s super cute, engaging, and the characters feel real. Even the setting popped right off the page! Definitely recommend grabbing this one!
Hannah has been hired to be a bodyguard to Jack, a Hollywood burnout who would prefer not to have a bodyguard. The pair have palpable chemistry, and I quickly found myself rooting for them. We are not huge romance readers and we’re all pleasantly surprised that it was both fluffy and deep, a un reads with a bit of drama. We all loved the touches and the author’s descriptions. (The Bush steak knives)."
Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; and Bookish Ladies, Coto de Caza, CaliforniaHESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese (St. Martin's Press, 10/4/22)
A vivid reimagining of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne, the tragic heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and a journey into the enduring legacy of New England's witchcraft trials.Get Woke: "HESTER’s message empowered us! As Laurie Lico Albanese writes, Hester Prynne is ‘a heroic woman who defies powerful men and vengeful villagers by wearing the symbol of her shame like a badge of courage.’ Heroic women! May we be them and may we raise them!”A major symbol, incorporating the books' themes, was Isobel's sewing skill and her ability to design and stitch beautiful patterns and scenes that revealed emotions and contained hidden messages.
Each member of the book club was asked to bring a bottle of wine (or another beverage of choice), containing a label that could reflect a 'hidden' message or theme of the story. Our discussion involved each of the members presenting her wine and describing the label, revealing aspects of the novel. These included PROPHECY WINES— The label’s images relate to the supernatural world, and scenes with shooting stars. Isobel struggles to accept her power, and the woman on the label exhibits power.*TEMPTATION AND EVE—Depicts Eve tempting Adam. Isobel’s community shuns her as a witch when she becomes pregnant. EVE elicited discussion on the Bible story – Isobel notes its message about untrustworthy women. GNARLY HEAD WINES—summarizes many characters' mental states: Hawthorne struggles with his family history of witch trials. Isobel struggles with her artistic creations and powers. *KALEIDOSCOPE:— Isabel’s gift enables her to create beautiful designs and messages on clothing and understand others’ emotions. WITCHING HOUR: summarized the novel’s mystery, fantasy, excitement, and passion.
Menu: A ‘community rice bowl’ is symbolic of the support and encouragement women shared in the novel. Member brought ingredients. Along with the theme of wine, dessert bars were labeled ‘Primitive Nuts’: many characters reflect this title!
We also shared a representation of each member’s name created by a woman with synesthesia.”We thought character of 'Hathorne' -- what the author calls Hawthorne-- could have been developed a bit further as he seemed shallow and his treatment of Isobel seemed dismissive. The social issues of the time were well highlighted by the author with a concurrent story of the Witch Trials in Salem, the plight of fleeing saves using the Underground Railroad, the mistreatment and victimization of women who had no rights, the struggles of prejudice that immigrants face in America We enjoyed the novel and feel it is going to become a best seller - it was definitely a compelling read!
Menu: Bee-shaped tea cakes and chocolate and lemon lavender scones to enjoy with tea and coffee.
Bookish Ladies: "Everyone enjoyed the book and a fresh reboot of The Scarlet Letter. The author did a wonderful retelling and we loved the characters and the story. We had a great discussion and we’re so happy to have this fun experience. We highly recommend HESTER! One member loved the book so much that she took a trip to Salem - ok it was a brilliant coincidence that she was going there!"
Menu: "Many colorful vegetables mentioned in the book."
Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas and Cork and Olive Book Club, Valrico, FloridaHALF-BLOWN ROSE by Leesa-Cross Smith (Grand Central, 2022)
A novel about a woman remaking her life after her husband’s betrayal leads to a year of travel, art, and passion in Paris.
Famished for Fiction: “We had a great time discussing HALF-BLOWN ROSE! This book really stretched us!" We discussed infidelity quite a bit: some members felt that the current problem —the marriage— needed to be resolved before embarking on another adventure—a relationship with Loup. We discussed that Vincent and Loup being independently wealthy contributed to their ability to just 'do as they pleased'. Vincent runs off to Paris; she and Loup travel by train to visit Theo, and family. Her family’s laid-back attitude when she shows up with Loup is a bit shocking; but, put into the context of their family, it made sense. SPOILER ALERT: We felt the ending left questions unanswered...maybe a sequel is in the plans? We would love to know if Vincent will return to Cillian, stay with Loup or go out on her own. We felt she was d searching for her freedom by leaving Kentucky and fleeing to Paris; but, in the end, becomes more tied down with the pregnancy. We recommend this book to those who enjoy Paris, romance, art, and secrets."Menu: We loved that the novel was set in Paris so we met at a French restaurant, Toulouse Cafe & Bar for quiche, Toulouse salad, lobster rolls, lobster risotto, and rose-themed drinks: French 77 and Rose all-day punch."
Cork and Olive: We looked forward to HALF-BLOWN ROSE, as we enjoyed Leesa’s novel THIS CLOSE TO OKAY and this did not disappoint! We enjoy her writing style—a phenomenal writer!” There was much discussion about whether Vincent should have led her husband on, whether it was wrong for her to be with Loup before a decision about her marriage, and whether she should have reached out to Tully and his mother. No one liked Cillian's actions and would have preferred Vincent to end her marriage if she was going to go be with someone else. We discussed Vincent's relationship with her children and the growing relationship with Tully, who we loved. There was concern that Vincent spent more time on Tully with her children, although we know that she loved them - she just didn't share as much of herself with them. We all want an epilogue!! We agreed that we needed to know what Vincent decided. Some hoped she kicked both Cillian and Loop to the curb, stayed in Paris, and raised the baby herself. Some thought she might have both... We loved that she decided to just do whatever she felt— eat pastries, sleep during the day, do whatever her spirit felt, while she proces
sed this punch in the gut to her life.
We enjoyed the references to food, art, books, and music. It was SO brilliant that Leesa created Vincent's Spotify playlists. We were delighted to see videos and references to characters on @anchoismusic. What a great way to bring the book to life! C'est bon bon bon! We recommend this novel to those who enjoy travel, art, and passion.”
Menu: "Our menu featured foods referenced —wonderfully varied and not all French! Cranberry Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes, Chickpea Stew, Fig Jam and Cheese with crackers, Rosemary Flatbread with Hummus and Olives, Pain au Chocolat, Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies, and of course, Champagne!
Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Literary Lovelies of Yonkers, New York Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, Finer Things Book Club of Brentwood, CaliforniaTHE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK by Ellen Marie Wiseman (Kensington, 8/22)
The story about the Willowbrook State School, the Staten Island mental institution that shocked a nation when exposed in the 1970s as a dumping ground for unwanted children.
Sensational Seven: "We are fortunate to read this new novel from a favorite author! Once again, Ms. Wiseman has so eloquently written about another of our nation’s past social injustices. We compared our strong responses to the novel with other books with difficult topics. She has shed light on a piece of our history that is so important to learn about. Her take on Willowbrook through the eyes of sixteen-year-old, Sage Winters, was a riveting ‘page-turner.’ When Sage discovers her twin sister, Rosemary, was alive and had been institutionalized for years at Willowbrook; she courageously heads to the school to rescue her. We discussed our emotional responses in realizing that these atrocities occurred in our lifetime and in our country Our discussion centered on how the children’s parents felt after learning the truth of events at the ‘school.’ We were sad and horrified over Willowbrook, and had for the staff and media who were crucial to its closure. We felt grateful for the advancement in care and treatment of the mentally ill and incapacitated members of our society today.”
Menu: "Our take on related food/drink: White chicken chili, representing the colorless mush that residents at Willowbrook were served daily. We also drank Tequila Sunrises, a popular cocktail in 1972, using orange juice. In the novel, the nurses mixed medication in orange juice to keep the residents sedated. No meds were used by our book club- only tequila and grenadine in the OJ!”
Junior League of Kalamazoo: “We enjoy historical fiction and mystery and this was the best of both worlds!”Some members recently toured a State Hospital in Michigan and were able to compare what they learned with Willowbrook. Ellen Marie Wiseman joined us via Zoom to answer questions about how she researched the book and where the ideas came from— including the big twist. It was especially fun because she had been at the memorial at Willowbrook the day before and was able to tell us about meeting some of the doctors and attendants who helped to blow the whistle, per se. We discussed society during this time, and why it was often recommended for parents to place children in a place like Willowbrook. We discussed how parents could see their child in that state, not say anything- many of us agreed that during that time, people deferred to 'authority’ and took the doctors at their word. Today, parents question and challenge authority, especially when it comes to doctors and teachers. We agreed this was one of the saddest stories we had heard and had time wrapping our heads around the fact that while it’s a fictional story the setting, conditions, and many of the characters were real. We also didn’t see the twist coming (Ellen said that even her editor didn’t see that one!).”
Menu: "Pancakes and bacon, a build-your-own-oatmeal bar, and orange juice —spiked with champagne instead of sedatives, as in the book."
Literary Lovelies: "This was truly a fascinating book that led to a great discussion about mental health. We couldn't believe it was based on a true story! We all loved this fascinating story, and it was heartbreaking to know it was based on a real situation. The subject matter was difficult but we all enjoyed the historical fiction and somewhat true crime genre in this well-written and detailed novel. Wiseman graphically describes the school, where employees brutalize and demean their residents. It’s after a reporter sneaks into the facility— the journalist is Geraldo Rivera, who was instrumental in getting the facility rehabbed and shut down —that light is shed on these inhumane conditions. We discussed the women brought to this facility, mental health, and the management of those needing special care. It was terrible that couldn’t speak up for themselves, and that no one ever checked on them This dark and gritty story will stay with us for a long time—it was so interesting and led to a fabulous discussion. This is my first time reading this author and I will be looking for more of her books."
Elizabeth's Book Chat, Frisco, Texas; Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey; North Wales Area Public Library; PennsylvaniaWHEN WE LET GO by Rochelle Weinstein
A novel about mothers and daughters, loss and acceptance, the lessons that come from heartbreak, and the healing it takes to embrace the joy of a second chance.Elizabeth’s Book Chat: "A wonderful match We had a very lively discussion with author Rochelle Weinstein and the book was so well received. Everyone loved it! There were different elements of the story that each of us could relate to which made it even more interesting. The author's style of writing is genuine and heartfelt. As we read the words on the page, we also were able to actually feel the emotions. What was very interesting was when members asked Rochelle where the idea for the tree came from. The response kept everyone chatting for a while. Great interaction!”
Book Club Girls Sparta: “A new author to us, and this moving story was enjoyed by all. Many could relate to the protagonist's profound level of loss and trauma and how one moment in her young life altered her future relationships with those closest to her. Trauma, grief, mother-daughter, sister, family, forgiveness, strength, and courage were all key factors that resonated with our readers. We discussed the importance of self-care and women surrounding themselves with people they can trust and open up to, and give themselves permission to move on and heal. We enjoyed the mother/ daughter theme. Read this moving novel if you are looking for a story of mothers, daughters, first love, second chances, and the powerful bond of sisters. “
Over-Readers Anonymous of Cumming, Georgia, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, Wine Club with a Book Problem, Woodstock, GeorgiaOVERKILL by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 8/22)
A crime thriller in which a conflict of conscience between a former football star and an ambitious state prosecutor swiftly intensifies into a fight for their lives.
Reckless Readers: "OVERKILL satisfied the thriller need, romance desire, and contemplative fiction we all love. It was an excellent book club book that sparked much conversation: the question of whether or not we would want to stay alive, or if we could actually pull the plug ourselves on a loved one, after being in a coma with no brain activity. The characters had moral and religious struggles with this choice, and we empathized with them. We loved the spicy romance in the book —with much discussion about how much more of it everyone wanted—as well as the direction of the story. Eban’s character sent us on another heated conversation about entitlement and the evils that wealth can add to an already evil person’s being. Sandra Brown did an excellent job of making us hate him, and kept us page-turning hoping for a better outcome. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy a little romance in their thriller, and heavy discussion points."
Menu: "Our drink—the Blue Overkill (vodka blue Curacao, and pineapple juice) was tasty, like Zach, and packed a punch like Kate. Paired with charcuterie."
Over-Readers Anonymous: “We recommend OVERKILL for those who enjoy crime fiction, suspense thrillers, and contemporary issues with a little romance thrown in! Our book club has enjoyed several Sandra Brown novels, they're entertaining and also touch on issues that lead to a deeper discussion. We discussed the ethical dilemma at the foundation of OVERKILL and delved into medical ethics, end-of-life planning, the characters, the plot, the judicial system, and the celebrity spotlight. As we all have roots in the south, we liked the Atlanta, New Orleans, and North Carolina settings. OVERKILL was action-packed and easy-to-read."
Menu: “As a BBQ menu was suggested by the author, met at a local restaurant for pulled pork!." (see Sandra Brown's recipe)
Book Club Girls: "An enjoyable read with developed characters an incredible, setting, and suspense well paced throughout the book. We discussed what we would do if faced with the same situation as Zach even though none of our members have had to face this situation. What many of us thought should have been a clear-cut choice, as we wove through the narrative we came to understand that there were so many layers to this that came into play that it wasn't as simple as we believed in the beginning. The most hated character was the villain Eban and although he is fictional, we agreed there are real people in the world like him. When you are so wealthy that you can make so many disastrous choices as a human with no consequences was highlighted. What would have happened to someone else who wasn't as wealthy? Also, we all agreed that no one really thought about Rebecca, until they were forced to, which led us to agree it was unacceptable for her to continue to be victimized in a way for so very long. But, if she was allowed to let go in the beginning, there wouldn't be as much of a plot line for the book. Loved the premise of the story, it gave lots of topics for discussion.
Menu: "We recommend bbq, pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans, and any tailgating type of foods that would be a nod to North Carolina and football."
Wine Club with a Book Problem: "OVERKILL is a good thought-provoking story. The topic of life support and having your affairs in order gave us a good discussion, and we enjoyed the setting of Atlanta since we live in the area. Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger has MPA for his ex-wife, Rebecca, who has been placed on life support after a violent assault. Zach has kept Rebecca on life support for 4 years to honor her parent's wishes. The attacker, Eban, gets an early release from prison and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. If Rebecca were to die, Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off and put Eban back in prison. We discussed that no one really thought about Rebecca. Zach was concerned about how he would be portrayed by the media, her father keeping her alive to punish Zach, and Eban boasting how his father's money got him out of prison early and now he can bet back to partying. It was unacceptable to keep Rebecca on life-support for so long.
Menu: "There are many football analogies and football references throughout the book. We put together a Tailgate Football Menu: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Balsamic Fig Infused Burger Bites, Wings, Homemade Salsa & Chips plus Guacamole, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pizza Pepper Poppers."
Reading Between the Wines, Albany, New York; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; Get Woke Book Club, New Prague, Minnesota; CT Lit, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Kings Chapel Book Club Arrington, Tennessee,ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir (Penguin Teen, 3/22)
A contemporary novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.
Reading Between the Wines: "We all enjoyed the book and thought the author did a wonderful job of creating flawed and 'real' characters that we grew to care about."This was a great match for our club. Our discussion included immigrants' struggles to preserve their culture while trying to achieve the American Dream, the nature of generational trauma, the opioid crisis, and the role of faith in people's lives- so many things to discuss! We became invested in the characters of Noor and Sal and the traumatic events that they and their families, experienced impacted us, and provided a lot of jumping-off points for discussion. Watching their growth throughout the novel gave it a hopeful ending. We loved this book and were fully invested in these characters, and reading it was a very emotional journey. Recommended to clubs that enjoy books discussing contemporary themes, strong characters, and emotional reads.
Menu: We met at a local Indian/Pakistani restaurant to enjoy food discussed and eaten in the novel: chai tea, poori, halwa, Chicken Kashmiri, and paratha, among other dishes!
Page Ladies: “We went in expecting a contemporary story about friendship and forgiveness but what we got was so much more. Thank you, Sabaa Tahir, for sharing this devastating but absolutely beautiful story with us! This is a powerful story that affected each of us differently. It's one that will stay with us for a long time. Until The Fight Salahudin and Noor were more than friends; they were family. Now, Sal is struggling with keeping his family's motel afloat as his mother's health fails and his father loses himself to alcoholism. Meanwhile, Noor is working at her uncle's liquor store and hiding the fact that she’s applying to college so she can escape him and Juniper forever. Sal and Noor must ask themselves what friendship is worth and what it takes to defeat the monsters in their pasts and the ones in their midst. This is an emotional and moving story about friendship, forgiveness, and heartache; it’s like taking a deep dive into a pool full of emotions. Grief, betrayal and forgiveness, loss, rage— you will feel every single one and more in this book. No one from our book club was able to finish this book with dry eyes. There are so many topics that were brought up and all were not easy to discuss: death, drugs, prejudice, and physical abuse. The writing is absolutely wonderful—Sabaa Tahir is a fabulous storyteller. She has a way with words that touches each of her readers.“
Get Woke Book Club “Members arrived with books displaying colorful post-it tabs, which visually reflected the common greeting, 'there is so much to think about in this novel!A group of mothers and grandmothers very much enjoyed the novel by a young adult author and its detailed and realistic picture of the struggles that immigrants face in relocating to the United States and of the family traditions and secrets that follow the immigrants to their new home. The culture and religious traditions of Pakistan were vividly described in an engaging storyline and beautiful prose. The main plot follows the lives of two Pakistani teens, who are struggling with school, personal tragedies, and love. They are surrounded by other well-drawn characters who add depth to the story. We discussed the many plot lines and themes: diversity, forgiveness, hope, family relationships, communication, secrecy, and loss. Tahir fills the novel with music, probably an excellent technique for adolescent readers—they can easily relate to the messages and emotions through familiar songs. Noor uses songs and their lyrics to help cope with the conflicts in her life.
Members shared selfies with short reflections: “Music plays a role in helping us deal with life’s adversities.* When is a relationship worth salvaging? *Fortunately forgiveness does not have an expiration date. It waits and always hopes to be the last word. *Peeling through the complicated layers of life we can see, appreciate and begin to understand one another. * One of my favorite quotes ‘Great passions grow into monsters in the dark of the mind; but if you share them with loving friends they remain human, they can be endured.’ * Tahir effectively introduces sections with lines from Elizabeth Bishop's poem, “One Art. Many characters ‘lost’ things: family, money, businesses, dignity. A lesson we all may need is that losing isn’t always bad.: 'the art of losing’s not too hard to master’ *While keeping a secret is meant to protect someone at some point, keeping that secret might be doing more harm.”
CT Lit Book Club: "We’ve been exploring new genres, and we enjoyed ALL MY RAGE, a heartbreaking story that touches on a lot of sensitive topics which gave us plenty to discuss.ALL MY RAGE introduced us to Pakistani culture. This young adult story follows two Pakistani teens growing up in a small town in California and the grim realities of their American dream. Even through difficult times their cultural norms held them together as a family, even if not by blood, the young adult characters are each facing their own struggles—the death of a loved one, racism, alcoholism, drugs, abuse— they are navigating grief, failure, and forgiveness, and must ultimately lean on one another to make sense of the chaos they are facing. It was shocking to imagine our younger selves in situations like these and we spent time reflecting on how the kids navigated various situations. One that stood out is how Salahudin and Noor dealt with the drug bust, and how their relationship persevered. We also discussed how Salahudin came to terms with his abuse. We recommend ALL MY RAGE for clubs learning about other cultures, family drama, and historical fiction."
Kings Chapel: “Thank you for the chance to read this insightful novel. We had a fabulous discussion and I think it was good to read outside our usual genres. This is a heart-wrenching story about two teens from Pakistani families living in Juniper, California, dealing with tough circumstances, basically all by themselves. We don’t read much YA, It was out of the comfort zone for most of the ladies. but the tough topics represented in this story, such as grief, alcoholism, physical abuse, and racism, were easier to handle in the Young Adult format. Understanding why the characters made the choices they did was something we discussed quite a bit. As teens, they made decisions that were wrong but for the right reasons and it was interesting to get in the minds of these teens and try to understand why. As parents, it was hard to read at times, feeling so sad for these kids who have had such a hard life. But seeing them grow and learn from mistakes and stand up for others, gave the book a nice redemption quality in the end. Recommended for groups that enjoy YA coming of age and social justice."
Reckless Readers, East Lyme, Connecticut, Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma;
Lit Ladies Read, Melbourne, Florida; Thrillers by The Book / Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas;
Thrillers by The Book / Costa Mesa, California, CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut recommend:
THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK by Jennifer Hillier (Minotaur 7/22)
Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.
Reckless Readers: An excellent match! Everyone was excited to talk about the twists. We had much to discuss with THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK. Members were messaging before we met, needing to talk about the book as they were finishing it. It was like a month-long meeting, behind the scenes! Usually, if continuous discussion is prompted, the book was a hit. To say the book was twisty is an understatement. This book was twisty than a country back road! A few of us seasoned readers predicted the big twists, but most of us were surprised and shocked. Together, we all needed to unload about the horrendous mothering and terrible situations that Joey was put in throughout her childhood. All of the women in our group are mothers, which makes the book hit us so much harder. But the book wasn’t just about sexual abuse and trauma. There is a high-profile murder that could potentially unearth secrets that need to be kept hidden. The conversation got animated when we discussed Joelle's charge with murder, and there was much discussion about the relationship between Ruby and Joey. As mothers, we found it hard to imagine how Ruby could treat Joey the way she did and put her in such horrible situations. It was heartbreaking and disturbing ."
Chilly Thrillies: “Thank you for giving our group the gift of a 5-star read, a perfect match! We were engaged from start to finish and loved how much there was to discuss. It had the thrills of a book with great character development and storyline. We discussed narcissism and how it affects relationships, specifically parent-child, how the way you are raised affects your instincts and perspective of others, fight or flight and how we would react in certain scenarios in the book, sexual abuse, and its long-term effects, age gap relationships and how people can be evil, but the 'lesser evil.’ We debated which storyline in the dual timeline was more action-packed—something hard to accomplish. Normally, we’re more interested in one storyline, We each were able to predict one of the twists, but we're stumped on the others and loved that there was more than one twist revealed. I was so impressed, I read Hillier’s JAR OF HEARTS. Recommended for those who enjoy a page-turning thriller with complex characters that you root for."
Menu: We made a Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe similar to what Paris makes towards the end of the book (she used pork instead of chicken). We were inspired by her description of how learning to cook was so special when she was going through such a dark time.
Lit Ladies Read: “We enjoyed this twisty, thriller/mystery. and had a very lively discussion! We had so much to discuss. We enjoyed the storytelling, shifting between past and present. and different points of view. This really helped to fully develop the characters. Although some predicted twists, we were still engrossed in the story and wanted to see how things played out.
“Our discussion centered around the characters and their relationships. One of our favorites was that between Jimmy and Paris and the highlight of our discussion was the relationship between Paris/Joey and Ruby. We disagreed about how adult Paris should have handled Ruby and decided that we had to agree to disagree about our feelings towards Paris, but we all agreed that this book was a hit for our group. The mystery is multi-layered, with deep characters. Many members put other books by this author on their ‘to be read’ list."
Thrillers by the Book Club, DFW: "This was our best GalleyMatch, perfect for our group and for book clubs that like dark and twisted mysteries“We all loved how the book started with a very intriguing and captivating scene Joey’s background was very interesting and her relationship with her mother was so toxic. There are a few mysteries in the story. Besides trying to find out if Paris murdered her husband, we’re also trying to work out Paris’ past, how did she go from living with an abusive unstable mother, who is now in prison, to living a wealthy life married to a famous celebrity? I enjoyed Paris’ past the most I loved the intensity in the chapters that focused on Paris’ childhood and upbringing. Ruby, her mother, was such an intriguing and complex character—a terrible mother, self-centered and irresponsible, which caused Paris a lot of pain and uncertainty. While a few members predicted the twist, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this dark and suspenseful story.”
Thrillers by The Book, Costa Mesa: “This was an excellent pick for our club! The majority liked or loved this one! Some said it was one of their favorite picks of the year. Many of the members enjoyed the mystery of learning about the murderer in the end, and the alternating timelines of the female main character. There were a variety of opinions about who committed the crime.”
CT Lit Book Club: "This was the perfect match for us! We have been craving a thriller and this was on all of our anticipated release lists. We all enjoyed the book, and were so excited to have a chance to preview it! We discussed how jam-packed this book was with plot points. There was much to hold your attention and give you room to try and predict what would happen. We loved how creative Hillier is— there is one scene in specific that was so creative and will leave us remembering the book forever! (hint hint, ice skates). Half of us had read another book by Hillier, and we all agreed that we want to read more Hiller titles."
The Ladies of Autumnwood, Grand Isle, New York, Mom and I Book Club of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, recommend:
THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT BY Lynda Cohen Loigman (St. Martin's Press, 9/20/22)
An intergenerational story about two women—a grandmother and granddaughter—who share the same incredible gift: the ability to identify soulmates
The Ladies of Autumnwood: We loved THE MATCHMAKER’S GIFT! Reading about Raskin’s pickles and the knish shops brought back wonderful memories of shopping at a pickle store in lower Manhattan barrels with barrels on the sidewalk and enjoying a great knish. These memories, among other topics, helped to round out our animated discussion last night. Members didn’t know much about ‘yentas’ or matchmakers and their role in creating Jewish courtship relations. We enjoyed learning about the bravery of the young girl, who beyond the fact that she was Jewish opened our eyes to the challenges of women, not unlike what some have to endure to break that glass ceiling today."
Menu: “We enjoyed Challah and red wine, and took home jars of pickles that I designed with a Raskin’s label.”
My Mom and I: “This pick was perfection. Not only did it match our love of magical realism but we agreed it’s the best book we’ve read this year. You found the perfect book for us!”
“We discussed magic, love, strong women, lovable characters, and the absolute beauty of the writing. We recommend this book to those who enjoy magical realism, foodie fiction, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. The author wrote a book that we treasure and we’re raving about it to everyone. This is a book that you feel like hugging at the end. We absolutely loved it. It’s a gem! “
Menu: "A smorgasbord! We had a blast capturing foods mentioned in the book lox and capers, cornichons— we decorated pickle jars with ‘The Pickle King’, as in the book. We had magical color-changing butterfly tea, as we wanted some magic to go with the story, and chocolate babka for dessert, like our beloved characters baked.
St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri; Mom and I Book Club, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania; Pittsford Moms Book Club, Pittsford, New York, and Port Wine and Book Society Readers, Port Washington, Wisconsin recommend:
OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen (St Martins, Press, 8/30/22)
A novel about a young woman who claims her deceased mother's apartment in an island town, where she meets she meets quirky and secretive neighbors.
St. Louis Women’s Book Club: "A great match! We felt like this was the perfect mix of themes, giving us questions and a variety of topics to discuss. Having an arc made us feel like ‘VIPs’ to the publishing process. This novel was cozy, nostalgic, and heartfelt! Allen’s characters help redefine the word ‘family’ in the most beautiful way. We discussed the definition of home and chosen family, food as a love language —and inspiration for potlucks for book club!! The setting—so realistic and magical, the imagery of the birds and the meaning. OTHER BIRDS takes you on a magical journey of youth, delicately balancing both beauty and sadness. We recommend this book to clubs who are fans of magical realism. It was fuzzy, cozy --the perfect happy read."
Menu: "We made amazing foods to match the book: cornmeal air-fried tomatoes, potato chips on Hawaiian rolls, Mac & cheese, cornbread, Palomas, and marshmallow popcorn."
My Mom and I: "Thank you for a rare opportunity to preview our favorite author’s new book! Sarah Addison Allen's first novel GARDEN SPELLS introduced us to our favorite genre, magical realism. I saved the book for the perfect moment and then tore into it. After waiting eight years for her new book I knew I’d read it too quickly and, that’s what happened We are Italian and loved the ‘found family’ theme and 'food is love' philosophy running through the novel. We enjoyed the foodie talk, animals, ghosts, and magical elements. All characters and storylines were interesting and mysterious; sometimes beautiful, but sometimes ugly but always interesting. Several big reveals had us slack-jawed!
While OTHER BIRDS is a little sadder and darker than her previous works, the magic and the love and the beauty left the reader with a love of the characters and a belief that as the characters live beyond 'the end' of the book all turned out well for them. And you will want that because you will be left loving nearly everything about OTHER BIRDS! We recommend this to those who like magical realism and foodie fiction."
Menu: "Cornmeal marshmallow dishes based on a character: Fluffernutters (marshmallow whip and peanut butter sandwiches), tamale pie stuffed peppers, cornmeal sugar cookies, and marshmallow-flavored lip balm as a keepsake."
Pittsford Moms: "We had so much fun with OTHER BIRDS! We loved this found family story and all the special characters! The novel was a good fit for our club. We try to switch up genres/authors and most members like books with some magic realism elements. We felt it was an easy read and generally flew through the book - Thanks! kept our attention. We loved the story of found family, the characters, and their backgrounds. Books with paranormal/magic realism can be hit or miss for most members but they worked well with this story and added background and historical context for many of the characters. We had a great discussion about the twists and the characters' diverse backgrounds— we would have liked a little more depth to some characters that had very traumatic backgrounds. We recommend OTHER BIRDS to groups that enjoy a touch of magic realism and found family stories!”
Menu: "S’mores bars— the story takes place on Marsh Island and all restaurants in town have something marshmallow on their menu.”
Port Wine and Book Society: "A great match for our club! We recommend this enchanting story written from the heart, with interesting characters and subplots.”Zoey was such a delightful, open and honest young character— we all adored her. We liked how the story unfolded by hearing different characters' viewpoints in each chapter. The Dellawisps added fun and interest, some of us thought they may have stolen Charlotte's money. We loved the descriptions of Mallow Island - we live in a small tourist town in Wisconsin and really identified with that. The highlighted passages in Lizbeth’s copy of Sweet Mallow were ironic because she didn't live her life according to any of them - she was so stuck in the past it literally killed her. We enjoyed a unique story, quirky characters, and the theme of food as friendship/love."
Menu: “The detail around food was great! We made several dishes with corn or cornmeal to celebrate it: Polenta and shrimp, fresh corn salad, corn dip and corn chips, and popcorn.”
CT Lit Club, Milford, Connecticut; Page Ladies, Cleveland, Ohio; KU Endowment, Lawrence, Kansas; and Girls Clubhouse, Auburn, California recommend
MIRROR GIRLS by Kelly McWilliams (Little Brown, 2/22)
A gothic horror novel about twin sisters separated across the color line after the murder of their parents (YA historical fiction/ magical realism/fantasy).
CT Lit: “MIRROR GIRLS was a great discussion starter and the perfect book to read with a group. It took us out of our comfort zone and was eye-opening, a reminder that segregation is not so far in the past. We are transported to the South—and blatant racism —which as a group of white women living in Connecticut, we don't have experience with. We follow twin sisters Magnolia and Charlie, separated at birth—one raised as Black in New York City and one raised as white-passing in the Deep South— who learn the secret everyone has kept from them. The novel portrayed how indoctrinated people were, and in some cases ready to push racism aside when it would benefit them. We discussed how Charlie's view on life differs after growing up in the more liberal Harlem and compared it to growing up in Connecticut and traveling in different areas in the United States. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy Brit Bennett's THE VANISHING HALF.”
Page Ladies: "We all enjoyed this historical fiction with a paranormal twist that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The book offered many different topics, generating a nice discussion: the time period, the girls as individuals, their different upbringings and when they came together, the decision to separate them and not tell them about each other, and much more! A wonderful story about twin girls Charlie and Magnolia who were separated after their parents died for love across the color line and have no idea the other exists. Magnolia. raised in Georgia, is the white heiress to a cotton plantation. Charlie, raised in Harlem with her Nana, is a young Black organizer. When Charlie's grandmother falls ill, they return to Georgia. When the girls do meet Magnolia discovers her reflection has disappeared. They couldn’t be more different, but they will need each other to put the hauntings of the past to rest, break the mirrors’ deadly curse, and discover the meaning of sisterhood in a racially divided land. Seeing the girls come together to create that sisterly bond was wonderful, as is the writing, and pacing. The curse and the ghosts added an interesting twist to the story.”
Girls Clubhouse: "We all enjoyed MIRROR GIRLS and we tried to capture the supernatural aspect of the book with mirror images” Charlie and Magnolia both born in the South but separated at birth live separate lives but face the double threat of racism and ghosts. We discussed how ‘Colored Town ‘is equally foreign to both girls, despite being born there; contrasting with where they were each raised. Magnolia knows the rules of the general area, while Charlie knows how things are done —how stories are told, some traditions. The concept of the veil as the place between this world and the afterlife was used by the author also as the place between the white world and the colored world, which made this gothic story much more intriguing than if it had been singularly used. This forces both girls to examine who they are and what they are willing to live with. Members enjoy supernatural books, and the idea of ghosts to help guide the characters was appealing. We found it to be a ‘light’ supernatural read. We recommend to clubs who enjoy gothic young adult novels."
KU Endowment: "Everyone loved the book. Some members were pleasantly surprised by the way supernatural elements were combined with social commentary and realistic events. The author was able to shine a light on the atrocities of slavery and segregation without being heavy-handed and shows us a playbook for fighting back through the strong and determined sisters, Charlie and Magnolia. The past can haunt us but that doesn't mean it has to control us, and love will conquer hate. One member discussed the book with her 86-year-old mother, who shared memories of her experiences during segregation. We all felt hopeful and inspired by the book and loved the characters. We talked about what it would be like not to know your origins and what would inspire someone to fight against things they know are wrong when it could cost them everything. We recommend to those that enjoy strong characters, historical fiction, and being inspired."
The Revivals Book Club The Revivals, Germantown, Wisconsin; Famished for Fiction, Plano, Texas; Zoom-Chilly Thrillies, Tulsa, Oklahoma
THE CICADA TREE by Robert Gwaltney, Jr.
A novel about an 11-year-old, whisky-drinking, piano prodigy who encounters a wealthy family of supernatural beauty.
The Revivals: “Have we missed out on a genre of remarkable books or were we gifted a gem in a genre we might not have read? The debut novel THE CICADA TREE soared to the top of the 2022 best reads. We dare you not to highlight dozens of richly written sentences; our galleys are filled with colorful post-it notes. The discussion questions gave deeper insight into the themes and allegories we hadn’t considered. We agreed that the book fit into genres of southern gothic, magical realism, and coming-of-age. We explored biblical allegories: good and evil, Jesus, John the Baptist, Cain and Abel, plague, water, and fire. Once every 13 years, the cicadas emerge in tremendous numbers to mate and disrupt human life and comfort; some believe they hold our secrets. Gwaltney has a gift for bringing all together in an unforgettable book appealing to multiple genres and readers. We discussed how music and the song of the Cicadas featured prominently, and the writing allowed us to hear the music as the book’s climax approached. There are themes of coming-of-age, transformation, and rebirth. Gwaltney poetically foreshadows the storyline early as the story’s protagonist, a typical tween experiencing growing pains, insecurity, and self-recrimination sheds her childhood as a cicada does. Triumphing over evil, the novel reaches an angelic and lyrical end. There are as many ways to love this book as there are to interpret it–we dare you to read it! We all loved this novel.”
Menu: Iced Tea, Autumn Apple & Feta Salad, Watermelon Salad, Feta, Mint; Skillet Cheddar Cornbread, Southern Pecan Praline Cookies, Coffee on a garden patio.
Zoom-Chilly Thrillies: We had a great time reading and discussing THE CICADA TREE, a wonderful match that pushed us out of our comfort zone, with its unique blend of genres— historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. This was a unique story! We agreed it was unpredictable and gave much to discuss. Some words members shared to describe the writing style and story were: Gothic, descriptive, imaginative, twisted, mystical, humorous, innocent, and unpredictable! We were excited about the discussion and most finished it quickly-after the halfway point, unable to put it down.
"We discussed symbolism, class differences, racism, religion, southern culture, character motivations, and family relationships. and how the main character was looking up to a family she aspired to. We discussed our childhood oddities, raised by the mention of the character's liking the feel of pain. We enjoyed that it was told through a child's lens, while dark but the child's perspective ensured curiosity and humor even when horrifying things are happeningThe writing is creative and descriptive and made us think about things such as how you hear music in a new light. The ending was haunting and beautiful and there were many shocked reactions!
"We also discussed the movies or books we thought possibly influenced the author, including REBECCA, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and MEAN GIRLS., We are eager to read Gwaltney's next novel!"
Menu: “Iced tea was sipped!"
Famished for Fiction: “A wonderful opportunity to read a complex story with a bit of mystery and unexpected twists and turns. Our group is diverse, and open to new and different genres, and appreciated the opportunity to discover this book. We discussed the focus of music and its impact on the progression of the story. Music is a major theme throughout the piece, whether it is the music Mr. Mayfield had composed for his wife or the musical virtuosity of the Mayfield children. We explored the cicada's presence: cicadas are seasonal and burrow in the ground, so they are equivalent to all of the secrets that are buzzing around the town of Providence, connecting the Mayfields to Etta Mae and Analeise, and the link between their molting and the growing pains the main characters are experiencing.”
Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado; Books and Brew, Allendale, Michigan; Carrollton Book Buddies, Carrollton, Texas;
BluStocking Literacy Society, West Allis, Wisconsin
THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET by Sara Ackerman (Mira, 8/22)
A brilliant female code breaker and a pilot on a top-secret mission come together in this dazzling story of love and intrigue set during America’s darkest hour.
Ranch Readers: Our book club enjoyed this book as we read a non-fiction WWII book about codebreakers and many have traveled to Hawaii so both the theme and setting are familiar. The storyline was realistic and we enjoyed the dual timelines with relevance at the end of the book when the characters are planting a memorial garden on the plantation. We discussed our mother's vital roles during the war, such as working in a war plant, how women were disregarded and treated as second-class citizens, and the situations where the same treatment happens today.We discussed our Hawaiian travels: topography, lava fields, ocean conditions, and coffee plantations. Those that have visited the Mauna Kea Hotel described it. Recommended for book clubs that enjoy historical fiction and WWII stories.”
Menu: “Banana chocolate chip cake/ banana pudding topping, tropical fruit salad, Huli-huli Chicken.”
BluStocking Literacy Society: “A perfect match! We enjoy historical fiction/mystery that pulls us in and we all anticipated the discussion. We discussed the timeline and connections between the two eras, and the uncertainty that women codebreakers felt reflected by Lu as she struggles to establish herself as a journalist. Isabel walked a line between expressing her intelligence and thoughts and second-guessing herself and stepping back. It was fascinating to consider women in a secret intelligence role and the obstacles they had to overcome.”
Menu: "Wacky Cake, a classic chocolate cake born of necessity for WWII rationing.”
Carrollton Book Buddies: “A brilliant female codebreaker. An ‘unbreakable’ Japanese naval code. A pilot on a top-secret mission that could change the course of WWII. My book club loved THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET! The dual timeline novel is set in Hawaii. We enjoyed discussing the amazing roles women played in World War ll. While most of us decided we'd have been secretaries, one member thought the radar plotter sounded like a fit. We appreciated that there were those that worked as mechanics, pilots ferrying planes, medics, and of course, the codebreakers! The Dungeon where the codebreakers worked and the men in charge were a hot topic-the smoke, the drinking, the snobbery, all appalling. Just the thought of approaching the stairs and entering drew lots of remarks! We read the author's explanation of the difference between codes and ciphers and concluded the codebreakers were brilliant! We discussed survivor's guilt, the way Germans, Italians, and the Japanese were treated here in the states, and men in power and misuse of that power. We appreciated the way the threads were all tied up by the ending, though a surprise. The stunning descriptions of the Mauna Kea Hotel and the surroundings have us all wishing for a trip to Hawaii. We appreciated the brilliant, unique roles of women in war."
Menu: "We met at tropical Tommy Bahamas restaurant for a chopped salad with shrimp, coconut shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Tacos. Tropical beverages included. Cloud Coconut Martinis and Jalapeno Margaritas."
Books and Brew: "The story takes place in 1943 and 1965. It's 1943, and Isabel Cooper, who has lost her older brother in the attack on Pearl Harbor, is working as a code breaker, solving Japanese naval codes. Isabel seizes an opportunity to solve codes in Hawaii to locate her brother’s friends and learn about his life. In Hawaii, she stumbles into a life-changing mystery. In 1965, aspiring journalist Lu Freitas is traveling to the Mauna Kea Hotel for its grand opening, when she befriends a famous woman. When her new friend disappears, Lu investigates and soon uncovers a missing link to the past. We discussed women in history, World War II, the relationship between the main character to her friend and her brother's friends, her internal struggle, and women's roles during the war. I was so grateful to have received this book early for my book club! I was so immersed in the characters and their story, I couldn't put it down! Five stars!"
Reading is My Cardio, Smithfield, Rhode Island; Bookish Ladies, Coto De Caza, California; Next Chapter, Leesburg, Virginia
SIX DAYS IN ROME by Francesca Giacco (Grand Central, 5/22)
A young artist travels to Rome to heal a broken heart, where she confronts loneliness and intimacy, rage and desire in this debut novel.
Reading is My Cardio: "We adored this lyrical and atmospheric debut! It was refreshing to read a book with realistically flawed characters and where not everything gets tied up in a perfect bow. This character-driven story explores relationships in so many forms - family, romantic, and with one's self - and the writing is just beautiful. Truly a perfect book for summer, transporting us to Rome for a captivating six days. We discussed how this isn't a book with a lot of plot and yet it kept us interested throughout. We loved the writing and many of us highlighted passages that we shared and discussed, and the group also touched on whether we'd be able to travel solo as the main character did. Another subject that came up was how the narrative is almost stream of consciousness which some of our group enjoyed more than others. We recommend this book to clubs that enjoy being transported to another place and appreciate character-driven books about self-discovery."
Menu: "Italian-themed cocktail party featuring charcuterie, Aperol Spritzes, and a gelato bar for dessert."
Bookish Ladies: "SIX DAYS IN ROME was beautifully written We enjoyed the food and descriptions around Rome! We loved how the book was written in terms of description and character development. It was a lighter, summer read. We felt l the character had a lot to work out but she never quite figured out what it was so there were a lot of questions left up for interpretation."
Menu: Italian rosé, homemade flatbreads with Italian pesto, mozzarella, fresh basil, aged balsamic, and roasted tomatoes.
Next Chapter: “Everyone agreed that Francesca Giacco's writing was beautiful,—and it was fun to read her book looking for food and drink that members can make and enjoy at book club! Emilia heads off on a six-day trip to Rome—it was supposed to be a romantic trip with her then-boyfriend Michael. but that’s not possible as he is married! With six days in Rome, Emilia will have time to reflect on why it wouldn’t work, why she deserves better, and time to enjoy the food and wine on her trip. We discussed what we thought happened to Michael: we had differing opinions to whether he had died or was with someone else or married. During her trip, she reflects on her relationship with her father and brother, and has lots of yummy food and drink throughout. We were happy that she met someone new and Emilia Is able to focus on herself and her art. Her six days in Rome weren’t what she had planned when she booked the trip, but sometimes better things come out of bad situations. Ah, the magic of Italy! One of our members took her book to Rome and shared photos."
Menu: “We enjoyed Aperol Spritz cocktails, a charcuterie board, tiramisu, and wine-soaked grapes”.
THE GOOD SISTER by Sally Hepworth (St. Martins Press, 2021)
A psychological thriller about the lies that bind two sisters.
Peoria Book Rack: “We agreed it was fast-paced and a quick read. The story keeps you guessing as you try to figure out the family dynamic between sisters Rose and Fern. the journals, their relationship with the mom, the twists! We also discussed Hepworth's versatility as an author. She has a solid list of backlist books that many of us are excited to check out! We recommend for book clubs that enjoy family thrillers.”
Thrillers by the Book: “Everyone loves Sally Hepworth, and this was a favorite! A likable main character and a fun story. We talked about representation in books, and the importance of character-driven books, and how her writing style is relatable and easy to read."
Novels N Latte: “Perfect for our club. We love good twisted family dynamics, and this sister story gave us a lot to discuss, including Fern's autism spectrum and which was actually the good sister.”
Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, East Lawrence High School Book Club of Trinity, Alabama, Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut, and North Wales Area Library Book Club, Pennsylvania
DARK AND SHALLOW LIES by Ginny Myers Sain (Penguin Teen, 2021)
A supernatural thriller about a teen girl who disappears from her small town deep in the bayou, where magic festers beneath the surface of the swamp.
Reckless Readers: The story hooked the teens— they enjoyed the love story and the witchy aspect, and our adult readers also loved the book. We included teen daughters who wanted to join, and teachers and librarians in the group who wanted to preview it before ordering for their locations. A few of them have not read YA books, so it was a nice and unexpected change for them. We liked the Southern setting, and how the author submerged us in Bayou. From gigantic gators ( Willie Nelson) to psychic abilities, shapeshifter, and Aurora readers, this book is a full experience. The end was shocking and fit the story. We recommend this book for those that enjoy a hint of magic within a southern setting.
Menu: "Southern delights mentioned in the book: Honey’s Pralines, Willie Nelson’s Gator Piss cocktail—with Midori, lime juice, rum, sweet & sour mix, and seltzer—Cajun wings and shrimp dip."
North Wales Area Library: “Our group had one of the best discussions we can remember!”This was an excellent selection and discussion. The book brought the Louisiana bayou setting to life. One member was raised in the area and she especially thought the setting description was spot on. The group wondered why the word ‘shallow’ was included in the title: The lies did not seem shallow. We debated the killer, books were pulled out and theories shared. The hurricane preparation made for interesting reading. We discussed why an outside investigation might not have happened. All said they would read another Sain book and looked forward to the next book in the series. We hope to have our adult group discuss DARK AND SHALLOW LIES with our teen book club! Our group rates books with 1-5 stars. The lowest rating in the group was 4.5! We recommend this book to clubs who enjoy reading outside of the box.”
ELHS Book Club: “Thank you for providing yet another wonderful book for our students! We discussed the setting bayous, swamps, cypress trees, alligators, shrimp boats and houses on stilts. The author did an excellent job painting a picture for the reader. We also discussed mental illness which is woven into the plot through a couple of characters via subtle behaviors and downright craziness.
Menu: jambalaya, gumbo, and pistolette rolls.
Book Club Girls: “Don't be turned away by the YA label, this book is for all ages. It was completely off our radar as far as genre, and many readers gave it five stars, and couldn't believe it was a debut novel. One member stayed up until 5 am to finish— she just had to know the end! The writing was fantastic. We discussed the book is marketed as a YA title, however, NONE of us are near that demographic We felt the characters could be aged up to the 30s and 40' and still make sense—they were just as vital to the storyline as the plot. We felt the novel touched on mystery and supernatural themes but also the deep-rooted impact of emotional trauma that shapes us. We discussed how keeping secrets buried for so many years by everyone caused so much heartache and pain. If truths were told from the start, what would the lives of the children have been like?? A great evening with lots of thoughtful discussions and fun had by all."
Menu: Hurricane Punch, crawfish, gator bites, cajun fried catfish, and cornbread.
Lit Ladies Read Book Club of Melbourne, Florida and Thrillers by the Book of Costa Mesa, California
THE YOUNGER WIFE by Sally Hepworth, (St. Martins Press, 4/22)
A new novel of domestic suspense that delves into a tangled web of family secrets, and lies.
Lit Ladies Read: "We loved this book and had a great discussion, which centered on the theme of perceived reality. We had a great debate about whether Stephen was actually an abuser or just misunderstood. The epilogue raised more questions than provided answers. Our group had varying opinions depending on which character’s perspective we were discussing. We all enjoyed the ambiguous nature of the ending and agreed it was very clever. It was a lot of fun to discuss our own opinions and debate what we believed to be the truth. Some of our members took the book at face value, while others questioned what we had read and what we believed to be the truth.
"We liked how the story was told with alternating points of view and followed along easily when the perspective changed. The book dealt with some serious topics but was written in a very light-hearted way that made it a quick enjoyable read."
Menu: “Heather would have been proud! We met at a country club, in true Aston fashion. We had Mahi tacos and quesadillas in honor of Rachel and Darcy’s first date.”
Thrillers by the Book: "A perfect match! We’re big fans of Sally Hepworth! We loved the intriguing vibe the author created by not revealing right away who was involved in the accident from the opening scene. The story is based on many factors, dysfunctional family dynamics, abusive relationships, addiction, mental issues, and so many juicy secrets. We enjoyed Sally’s writing style and the characters she created. Sally has a way of making her characters very relatable and down to earth. We also enjoyed how she connected a piece of her real-life to one of the scenes in this book. Some of the secondary characters seemed to love Stephen but Heather and his kids suspect him of being abusive. The ending left us wondering if Stephen was in actual fact abusive. The women around him suffered a lot of 'accidents' but it’s never clear if they were really accidents or intentional. We recommend this title for book clubs that enjoy a family drama with a hint of suspense. Thank you for spoiling our book club!"
Page Ladies of Cleveland, Ohio, Bibliobibuli of San Diego, California, and HAH Reading Club of Kaukama, Wisconsin
THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY by Sherri L. Smith ((Penguin Young Readers, 2//20)
From the award-winning author of Flygirl comes this powerful WWII romance between two Japanese teens caught in the cogs of an unwinnable war.
Page Ladies: “Thank you for sharing this amazing, compelling, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking story about life in Japan during World War II. We were surprised by how much research went into it, and we are always interested in books that can teach us something. The story switches between Taro and Hana's perspectives so we see two sides of the story and what each experienced. Could we imagine being Hana, having to take care of the kamikaze pilots and then say goodbye to them, knowing that they will more than likely die? We talked about Hana and the pilot—how they felt at the beginning of the book versus the end— as well as the choices that surprised us and whether we would do the same. This was an emotional read and the pace moves well with the story."
Bibliobibuli: “Our members enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY, and our chat with author Sherri Smith was especially enjoyable. The novel is a fictionalized account of young kamikaze pilots and the teen-aged girls who provided platonic camaraderie and emotional support to them during World War II. Smith employs lyrical prose to introduce the reader to war-torn Japan and the youth culture that rallied around Emperor Hirohito. We appreciated learning more about the Japanese perspective on World War II. Hana’s disparaging remarks about Americans made us realize that we had never heard from the youth of Japan about the events of the war."
HAH Reading Club: We really enjoyed THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY and its different perspectives on World War II We discussed how the novel reminded us of the current situation with the Ukrainian and Russian war. The author talked about remembering so it doesn’t happen again, and we discussed how emotional we felt about the abuse, propaganda, and conditioning that happened to prepare the civilians and boys for the war.
We compared how the reading of trauma and the emotional impact, ranges based on the age of the reader. We discussed the comparison of how being ready for death in a moment you can’t control, such as a reaction to an air raid, and the premeditated preparation of the pilots to body-crash was handled and how the author gave us both views. We also found how the invasion was perceived after all the preparations made to fight to the death as the expectation from the government. We recommend this novel to clubs looking for an emotional experience with a dive into other cultures."
Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri, Fab Five of Appleton, Wisconsin, Next Chapter of Frisco, Texas
LAST DANCE ON THE STARLIGHT PIER by Sarah Bird (St. Martin's Press, 4/22)
Set during the Great Depression, novel about one woman—and a nation—struggling to be reborn from the ashes
The Happy Bookers: “Get your dancing shoes on and get ready for the world of dance marathons in the 1930s in LAST DANCE ON THE STARLIGHT PIER,” -During an era of great hardship and poverty, the dance marathons were a diversion and an inexpensive form of entertainment to many struggling families. Evie, Zave, and Sofie, and a cast of characters face the hardships of the time with love and loss. Members discussed interesting aspects of the history of this time, particularly the popularity and duration of the dance marathons, and compared our entertainment now to the Depression-era. We discussed the mob and vice culture in Chicago and Galveston and the ending that brought unforeseen surprises that gave us much to wonder about and inspired us to research the history that this novel brings to light. We recommend this book to book clubs who enjoy historical fiction with an intriguing storyline.”
Menu: “We wanted to find an outdoor pier but dreary weather brought us to a restaurant with a pier/dock feel —barrels/railings, and we added our dancing shoes! We imagined French 75 cocktails that the author suggested (tinyurl.com/SarahBirdBuzz) And we dreamed of Baked Alaska!”
Fab Five: Set in the 1930s, the Dance Marathon is a prominent subject, and how people lived during The Great Depression, is poignantly described by the author.As we are immersed in the 1930s, it became easy to see why the main characters, Evie and Zave, needed to make many of the choices they did. The attitudes and beliefs about homosexuality during that period, were well portrayed was helpful to have the book divided into prominent sections, so the readers know ‘where’ they are traveling with the characters.
"We discussed the struggles, disappointments, hopes, and dreams. the desire for Evie and Zave to have a family: Each having had dysfunctional families, they longed for a real family, but what would that look like? And, was it different for each of them? We know that these two have a special connection, but what is it? There is much in this book: presidential elections, deep friendships, love, family dysfunction, mystery, deception, and a surprise ending. We recommend this book to those who enjoy sweeping historical fiction."
Next Chapter: "This was a great match for our book club! We love it when we not only enjoy the book but ca can learn something new. We had no idea that during The Great Depression that dance marathons were held and that it was a way for people to earn money and be fed three meals a day. Dance marathons also provided cheap entertainment for the spectators. We were fascinated by how couples would dance for weeks, with one partner often dragging the other along as they slept. None of us thought that we would last very long in the character’s shoes.
We held our discussion at a Speakeasy, the Rare Books Bar in Frisco, Texas, where an old phone booth sits outside the front door, requiring guests to dial the ‘librarian’ and name a classic piece of literature before being granted entry. This is much like the scene in the book where takes Evie is taken to a secret bar to learn the ‘truth’ about Zave— they entered through a phone booth by providing a password. This was fun and we loved playing out this scene. Though, we did not see Zave in the dark restaurant, he could have been there".
Kings Chapel Morning Club of Arrington, Tennessee, Eagle Eyes of Westchester, Illinois, Read Between The Wines of Iron Mountain, Michigan, Book Buddies of Baldwinsville, New York, Andrea’s Book Club of Clarksville, Maryland, Books and Cooks of Elk Grove, California
ON A NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS by Andrea Yaryura Clark (Grand Central, 3/22)
A young couple confronts the start of Argentina's Dirty War in the 1970s, and a daughter searches for truth twenty years later.
Kings Chapel Morning Book Club: “A great match! Everyone liked ON A NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS, and we enjoyed reading historical fiction about a time period we didn't know much about. This novel takes place in the 1970s in Argentina and while we were all alive during that time, reading the book highlighted the fact that none of us knew how bad the dictatorship in Argentina really was. So many people ‘disappeared’ and their families were left never knowing what happened to them. One member had studied and traveled in Argentina during college and she enjoyed reading about the places she had been. We discussed the romantic entanglements and were surprised that the love story seemed to be the main focus, set against the backdrop of the political landscape of Argentina. The last quarter of the book moves quickly with dramatic and very tragic events. It's hard to understand why some characters made the decisions they did, but given the circumstances, it seemed like the right thing at the time. We recommend this book to clubs who enjoy historical fiction with a love story.”
Eagle Eyes: "ON A NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS generated more discussion for our book club than any recent reads. Most of us knew little about Argentina's Dirty War, and this book brought that history to life. We loved learning about a place and time about which most of us knew little. We often read historical fiction but have not read any set in Argentina or that period. We discussed the shocking and brutal events and parallels to current-day politics. One member had visited and shared photos and stories and the information in the book club guide was wonderful. Another member wrote: "It both taught me about how the Argentina/Peronistas had terrorized their own populace in the 70s, as well as had me entranced with the characters and their development. The author’s use of alternating decades to tell the story of the ‘disappeared’ worked very well.'Those in additional book clubs have already suggested it as their next read! The book club guide had great information. We also enjoyed our chat with Andrea Clark!This was a wonderful book that we might not have read otherwise!"
Menu: "Argentinian food, empanadas, pastel de papa, dulce de leche, and Argentinian wine and beer.
Read Between The Wines: ”We love reading books that we haven't heard of and that we may not have read otherwise such as this one. Before the discussion, we watched the YouTube video of Andrea's film "Recovering the Missing". It was a shock to our club that none of us had heard of ‘the disappeared in Argentina. We discussed the relationships in the book and how they enhanced the story. Other than the horrors of the killings, tortures, kidnappings, and disappearances it was appalling to think that the perpetrators of the crimes were pardoned. We also discussed the quote by Golda Meir and how relevant this quote was to Argentina, and other times in history that certain groups are trying to erase the events of and the instances in the book that were reflected in the title.”
Menu: Empanadas, Argentinian meatballs, mashed potatoes, flan with Dulce de Leche
Book Buddies: “A great fit— we always enjoy reading historical fiction that informs. We discussed the title and thought it was representative of two particular scenes in the book and a nod to the title of one of the songs from 'Evita' called 'On This Night of A Thousand Stars.' We thought the writing was vivid, and the topic gripping. We liked the character development; Santiago’s as seen through Paloma's eyes as she learns his history and hers through the search for the truth of her identity and the fate of her birth mother. Especially affecting was reading about the struggles in Argentina in the 1970s-1990s, and for many years previously during the war happening now in Ukraine. The deaths and disappearances, people fleeing their home countries to find asylum, are, unfortunately, ongoing realities. The historical information regarding the ‘Dirty War’ was new to all of us, although we understand the unrest in many governments in almost all South American countries. The author did a good job of treating the brutality and grief of the people involved with sensitivity. Not usually big fans of dual timelines, we felt this one worked especially well and was not at all confusing as the chapters were short; easier to keep track of both Santiago's 70s storyline and Paloma's 90s storyline."
Menu: Argentinian chimichurri sauce that we used as a dip for bread!
Books N Cooks: "A good match!. We all enjoy historical fiction, travel, and a book with good themes. We discussed adoption and how it has affected each of us differently. Most of us had not been aware of the 'Dirty War' and were horrified at the atrocities. We discussed travel to Buenos Aires and Argentina, of which the book sparked interest in.”
Menu: Empanadas de Pollo Chorizo, bread and chimichurri, mini tacos
Andrea's: "We loved this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it, discuss our thoughts, and ask questions of the author. How woefully unaware we were of this history! We learned a lot and had a good discussion about both the events and the characters—the dynamics between the characters and the choices that they made. How history repeats itself and events are mirrored somewhat in current events. We recommend this novel to those seeking a realistic perspective into historical events from a very human point of view.”
Menu: Empanadas and matcha drinks, and Argentinian wine!
Tolstoy to Twilight Book Club of Edmond Oklahoma and We're All Booked Here of Wareham, Massachusetts
THE SUITE SPOT by Trish Doller, (St. Martins Press, 3/22)
A novel about taking a chance on a new life and a new love.
Tolstoy to Twilight: We had a lively discussion of Trish Doller'ss newest book! Thank you for sending galleys of this fantastic novel." (FLOAT PLAN, anyone?) sees single mom Rachel uprooting her not-so-glamorous life in Miami Beach to move to an island on Lake Erie for a job that isn’t exactly as advertised. Toss in one broody, moody brew maker for romance and tension and we have a lot more than your average rom-com.
We discussed how natural the chemistry and romance seemed between our main characters. How upset we would have been to uproot our lives to find that the hotel/job wasn’t as promised. How fulfilling it is to see your hard work actually create something unique. We loved that it was more than just a rom-com: it was more about both of them rebuilding their lives and doing it together. New beginnings. We recommend this book to groups that enjoy non-cliche romance stories. Get your copy now!"
We're All Booked Here: We absolutely loved THE SUITE SPOT. This was such a great opportunity to connect our book club readers with one of our highly anticipated titles, and it was an excellent match for our book club. We loved the story and had a great discussion about the character arcs in the book and the hotel/tourism industry. We were also able to connect with Trish to join a portion of our discussion which was a wonderful opportunity!
We delved into the relationships between the characters in the story, including that of the heroine and her daughter's biological father. We discussed how much we enjoyed that the story was much deeper than a typical rom-com, but still had some light moments. We also loved discussing the idea of the brewery hotel featured throughout the book and the setting of the story on the small island. We recommend THE SUITE SPOT to book clubs that enjoy romantic comedies that have some depth."
Menu: We met over Zoom, but our food selections included sushi, beer, and fish and chips (unfortunately no fried perch!)
The Wine Club with a Book Problem of Acworth, Georgia, Over-Readers Anonymous Book Club of Cumming, Georgia, and The Fab Five of Appleton, Wisconsin
BLOOMSBURY GIRLS by Natalie Jenner (St. Martins Press, 5/22)
A novel about post-war London, a century-old bookstore, and three women determined to find their way in a fast-changing world.
The Wine Club with a Book Problem: The Wine Club with a Book Problem thoroughly enjoyed BLOOMSBURY GIRLS, a heart-warming story that we highly recommend. "The war is over but London is still not the same; women who had stood in place for men at war are now being uprooted so the men can be back in charge. Bloomsbury Girls is about Bloomsbury Books and three such women. The bookstore is a stodgy old place run inefficiently by men; until Grace, Vivian and Evie decide they are tired of men telling them what they can & cannot do & tired of waiting for their dreams to be fulfilled. The women make friends with some dazzling female authors of the time —Daphne Du Maurier for one— who help them along their journey.
We had a great discussion about how difficult it was for women in 1950 to be recognized for their accomplishments in the workforce and how far women have come today. We also discussed new beginnings, class and gender conflict, prejudice, similarities between the women and Ash, who recently immigrated from India, the author's writing and crafting style and the foreshadowing of the chapter with the '51 Rules'.
Menu: 1950s fare, to reflect the book’s time period: Tom Collins Pimento Stuffed Celery, Pineapple Walnut Cheese Ball, Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs , Shepherd's Pie, a nod to a British class Corn Casserole.
Over-Readers Anonymous:
We all enjoyed BLOOMSBURY GIRLS, and it was a great match for our book club. The bookstore itself is like a character."It was a treat to see the inclusion of several characters from THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY, which we suggest reading. We shared stories of visiting London, and this book has inspired us to plan another trip soon. It also inspired reading titles mentioned in the book, including REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier. several of us had read THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY before reading BLOOMSBURY GIRLS, which also inspired a Jane Austen read-a-thon!
The map the author provided helped us imagine the bookshop setting. We cared about the characters and the developing relationships between them and The plot was creative, and we all liked the character list and the chapter divisions including the shop rules were helpful."
Menu: “A tea party with tea sandwiches, scones, jam, fruit, and muffins. We brought our favorite tea to share, including Chai. We contemplated going to an Indian restaurant as a nod to the character Ashwin."
The Fab Five: "We love historical fiction but had not read anything set in post-WWII England, and this was a delightful read. The three female protagonists were well developed —each had their own story and path to working in the book store. It was hard to agree on a favorite female character, but our favorite male was Lord Baskin., who was ahead of his time in the way he thought of women. We focused on the 1950s, and the role that women were still playing in society, yet the fact that women were growing restless and wanting more. Conversely, the male characters were ‘stuck’ in their traditional roles, often upset by not being able to ‘control’ the women. Discussing the bookstore as a setting brought back memories for the baby boomers in our group: we could ‘see’ the cash register, book sections, Alec up on the ladder looking down. Through the bookstore, the women had been able to meet other women of higher social standing that wanted to help them succeed. Relationships, courage, male dominance in society, societal differences, intrigue—so many things to make us think.”
Montana's Book Club of Milford, Connecticut, Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin, and the Finer Things of Brentwood, California
I MUST BETRAY YOU by Ruta Sepetys (PenguinTeen, 2/22)
A historical thriller about Soviet-era Romania and the citizen spy network that devastated a nation.
Montana's Book Club: "We have already recommended I MUST BETRAY YOU to so many and will continue to do so. This book taught us so much and we can't wait to read more books by Ruta Sepetys.
"Reading this book amidst the Russia/Ukraine conflict is heartbreaking. None of us had any idea about communism in Romania and were absolutely shocked that conditions like those described in the book can be overlooked in our education and overlooked by the US and other countries during that time, especially it was only 30 years ago! We discussed how unimaginable it would be to live in the conditions Romanians were dealing with us. Some aspects that shocked us were the food lines, the number of informers, and the necessity to bribe others with contraband to get anything done.
This story takes place in communist Romania in 1989 and follows 17-year-old Christian as he navigates politics and tries to protect his loved ones. You really feel like you are in Christian's mind as he is trying to unravel the government and free his country. He is constantly questioning who around him is an informer, as well as being forced into being an informer himself. You are getting the raw struggle of helping his family while also feeling like he is betraying everyone around him. His relationships were well developed and I feel the ending was very satisfactory. We are not huge historical fiction readers so we picked this book to get out of our comfort zone, and initiate conversations we wouldn't have after reading our usual genres. We recommend I MUST BETRAY YOU TO those interested in learning about history and the resilience of others! We would really recommend this book to everyone!"
Sensational Seven: "This is our book club's third Ruta Sepetys novel and several members have had the honor of hearing her speak at our city’s book festival. Her books serve as reminders for those who lived through the history of her stories and have the great ability to teach future generations of these impactful times. We love historical fiction and Ruta Sepetys is a favorite author her books we carry with us long after having finished her stories. We love her passion in her mission to have such important stories in history not only told, but truly heard. The title is such a great description of the painful and powerful story that unfolds throughout this book.
"We discussed that all members were college freshmen or high school seniors during the revolution in Romania. We knew of Ceausescu, but, sadly, few of us knew about the history of the uprising in great detail. One member of our group spoke of Sepetys’ books as 'the best history and moral theology class combined.' We spoke of our strong belief that history truly needs a voice and the author’s undeniable success in doing just that. The courage of the young Romanian college students leading the revolt from this time was unfathomable. The constant fear that all Romanians lived in 
constantly was heartbreaking. We admire Ruta’s writing talent along with her mission to have such give a voice to such important historical stories."
Menu: Coca Cola and Twinkies which were written about as contraband in the book.
The Finer Things Club of Brentwood, California: "Thank you Ruta Sepetys for writing this book and sharing the history of the Romanian people, a history that isn’t talked about our even taught and is so important. We learned so much! We loved the book and most of us were shocked that we didn’t know any of the history. It was eye-opening! All of us said we will read the author's other books.
We love and read historical fiction, and we discussed how never learned this history in school or it relates to what is still happening in the world today. How brave the people were for standing up.his book is filled with bravery, strength, and love of country. The story of Romania living under the communist regime is fiction, the dictatorship and the suffering of the Romanian people are very real. History must be shared and written and discussed. We must never forget the suffering, we must never forget the sacrifice and we must always remember that We must always stand up for our Freedom! I MUST BETRAY YOU is so beautifully written and breaks your heart while showing you the resilience of humanity. We recommend this book to book clubs that enjoy learning about history and bravery. We recommend this book to everyone!"
THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR by Nina de Gramont (St. Martin’s Press, 2/22)
A historical mystery that reimagines the unexplained eleven-day disappearance of Agatha Christie in 1926, which captivated the world.
Lit Ladies Read: “THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR gave us so much to talk about including the treatment of women during this period, motherhood, marriage and relationships, and the mysteries. We all liked the alternating timelines, especially reading about Nan’s past. We didn't expect this book to be o centered around Nan’s story, but it was a pleasant surprise as the majority of the group found her story to be most engrossing.
The treatment of women during this time was a central discussion point. Specifically, we discussed the treatment of unwed pregnant women like Nan. As mothers, this particular piece of the story was heartbreaking. A few members researched convents and the infamous Irish Laundries, and we were all shocked to learn that several Irish Laundries remained in existence until the 1990s.
We also discussed how Agatha was treated compared to Nan. We believed that the disparity was caused by Agatha’s social status and Agatha’s general attitude toward life. Agatha was able to navigate life in ' man’s world' not only be she was well to do but because she was selfish. She often put herself before everyone else in her life, especially her daughter.
We enjoyed that he was an Agatha Christie-style mystery and were intrigued by the backstories that led up to the mystery. We all agreed the ending was the best part of the story and a very creative twist explaining the murder and revenge plot!
Menu: English and Irish breakfast tea with scones and Irish shortbread.
Words! Women! Wine!: “THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR was a perfect match for our book club! We were not familiar with Agatha Christie's disappearance. Several members researched which aspects of the plot were true and found photos of Agatha & Archie Christie It was particularly fun to read as the novel exploded in the press and social media shortly after receiving our galleys. We love historical fiction, so we were all intrigued by the premise Several members love books written by an unreliable narrator - and this fit the bill! We also tend to judge a book by its cover and this cover is very inviting.
Our discussion focused on Nan, as hers was the central storyline. We wondered if the author had personal experience with someone who inspired the story as the details were very thought-provoking, especially the heart-wrenching, detailed scenes in the Irish Laundry. We discussed the time Nan spent there. We found it strange that Agatha would leave her child and disappear, but also that she seemed to be an afterthought to both of her parents. We also discussed how Nan prioritized being with her daughter over the love of her life, and what a difficult decision that would be, especially since we were never really sure that Teddy was Nan’s biological daughter. We didn’t see the two huge plot twists coming and there was much discussion about how organized and methodical our protagonist had been to plan everything so well It was fun to hijack our book club list and try something different and now we are big proponents of GalleyMatch!"
Neighbors of Cranberry Book Club of Plain City, Ohio, Kings Chapel Evening Book Club, and Junior League of Kalamazoo, Michigan Book Club
CATCH US WHEN WE FALL by Juliette Fay (2021, William Morrow)
Determined to stop drinking when she finds herself pregnant, Cass Macklin turns to the only sober friend she has—Scott McGreavy, third baseman for the Boston Red Sox, a man with a temper and problems of his own.
Neighbors of Cranberry: “All of us enjoyed reading and discussingCATCH US WHEN WE FALL until late at night, which means it was the perfect book club gathering. We hadn't read a book about the struggles of alcoholism so that brought up lots of conversations, especially about how hard Cass works to turn her life around and break her alcoholism cycle. Cass had her ups and downs but she also had strong support with Scotty, and we felt that the stability is what helped her the most. We liked his baseball player/team perspective. We talked about how even a cookout (which we have often in the summer with our families) would be hard for someone struggling with alcoholism as well as how much commitment AA meetings are, but how beneficial they are. This book had heart. Highly recommended!"
Menu: “We had light snacks, and the hostess included many bottles of San Pellegrino to keep with the alcohol-free theme!”
Kings Chapel Evening Book Club:" CATCH US WHEN WE FALL was a big hit with my book club!. It was different from anything we've read."
"The main subject, alcoholism recovery, brought lots of lively discussion within our group. Almost everyone knew someone who is affected by alcoholism so there were a lot of different stories and memories triggered. We loved that the main character, Cass, was treated with compassion as she battled her addiction and tried to do what was best for her unborn baby.
Although it is about a tough subject, there are light-hearted moments that keep the story from spiraling into the deep dark. You will laugh and cry, and be anxious about choices being made but you will whole-heartedly be cheering for Cass all the way through.
Juliette Fay joined us for a Zoom discussion and she was just lovely. She chatted with us about how she came up with the idea for the book and developed the characters. We had a fun, lively discussion. So thankful that Juliette was willing to join us! It brings the book to life in such a fun way!
Junior League: "We really enjoyed CATCH US WHEN WE FALL and it sparked a lot of discussion, providing a nice mix of good topics and light-hearted entertainment. Our discussion focused on the idea of what a stereotypical alcoholic looks like and our own perceptions around them. As a women's organization focusing on the well-being of women and children, we were especially invested in the women’s stories as it relates to their children and the resources available to them.
We normally meet at a member's home, but we had such a large group interested, that we met at a rental space, had a pizza party, and made blankets for our local children’s hospital.”
It was fun being matched with a book that we normally wouldn’t have picked, and being provided galleys brought more members to our discussion than usual!"
Book Club 2.0 of Phoenix, Arizona and John Champe High School Project LIT of Aldie, Virginia
THE PASSING PLAYBOOK by Isaac Fitzsimons (Penguin Young Readers, 6/1/2021)
Love, Simon meets Bend It Like Beckham in this feel-good contemporary romance about a trans athlete who must decide between fighting for his right to play and staying stealth.
Book Club 2.0: "High marks from all of us! We thought THE PASSING PLAYBOOK was an amazing read that needs to be in the hands of so many types of readers!"- Book Club 2.0 of Phoenix, Arizona on @isaacfitzy’sTHE PASSING PLAYBOOK read with advance copies from @penguinteen via #GalleyMatch.
"We loved the celebration of the trans community and LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Not every book in the LGBTQ+ genre needs to be rooted in tragedy - we thought the author did such an amazing job at shining a light on how joyful and typical life was for Spencer, his friends & family. For those of us with teens, the everyday high school life really rang true and we felt like teens, and even pre-teens, could easily connect and relate to Spencer's story and life situations, no matter their gender or identity. The everyday activism weaved into the story is such a fantastic way to show how we can all be better allies even in our day to day lives.
The book was well-paced and written with such insight and humor. Everyone rated it highly and wanted to read more from the author and about his characters! It met our interests, as a heartwarming friendship and light romance stories that gently challenge you to be better THE PASSING PLAYBOOK would be a terrific addition to classroom libraries! A truly amazing debut. We can't wait to hear what the author will be releasing next!"
Project LIT: This heartwarming contemporary romance featuring lots of soccer action and social issues was very much aligned with our reading choices: Mixed reactions which sparked a lively discussion. Some members wHo were not romance fan felt that Spencer took his parents for granted and should have been more understanding of Justice and his situation. Others really appreciated how closely this book mirrors current events in our county. The sponsors loved Spencer's supportive parents and how the book portrayed them constantly trying even though they didn't always get it right. In particular, the scene where Spencer's dad helps him to get dressed for the dance was really touching. T
The kids felt very passionate about the right of trans/nonbinary people to come out only when they feel comfortable to do so and in their own time. The kids were outraged that the school's policy forced Spencer to out himself, but agreed that it was ultimately empowering that he was able to do so and to help create a safe space for other trans kids at his school."
Clarkston Women's Book Club of Waterford, Michigan and Corte Madera Literary And Munching Society (CLAMS) of California
BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOLS by Jillian Cantor (Harper Perennial, 2/22)
A novel that reimagines the literary classic The Great Gatsby is told in three women’s alternating voices.
Clarkston Women's Book Club: “We invited the author, Jillian Cantor, to join our discussion via Zoom. It was fantastic--a huge treat! Jillian was tremendously gracious, down-to-earth, kind, and fun to be with. “
"We thought that character development and the mystery was interesting and the alternative perspective from a female point of view was powerful. We asked Jillian to tell us about her character development, why she elected to write this book as a different perspective on Gatsby, what her writing process looks like, how she did her research. and which character was her favorite character among many other questions! Jillian shared that she was speaking with a friend about writing Gatsby from the perspective of the women in the story. She wrote BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOLS in a short time, taking some of the facts from Gatsby and expanding the female characters. We were intrigued to learn about her writing process and to consider writing her 'job' somehow we had all glamorized it."
CLAMS: "We appreciated the opportunity to preview this 5-star book which reimagines The Great Gatsby. We love historical fiction, especially with a mystery component, and Beautiful Little Fools generated animated discussions about the morals, culture, and lifestyles of the 1920s. We had fun with costumes as some of our group’s members dressed to match the clothing and accessories of the period.
A few readers felt that Beautiful Little Fools works wonderfully as a standalone novel, but several highly recommend reading, or re-reading Gatsby first."With the original fresh in my mind, I was amazed at how this novel fits so well with Gatsby, like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces making the story complete.'
We discussed the choices available to the women in the novel, during an era when women were limited in their vocations, education, and importance in the workforce and in society, and how the different backgrounds the women came from affected their outlook on life and their decision-making.
We decorated the table with antiques and props including a cocktail shaker, toy gun, pearls, and other jewelry, cigarette case from the 1920s, rhinestone hair clip like the one mentioned in the novel, and more. The evening was as entertaining and enjoyable as the book itself!
We recommend this for those who enjoy a fresh view on a classic novel, lively discussions about period novels, and who have fun with costumes and food choices."
Menu: Bourbon rickeys, combining the bourbon several of the characters drank with the gin rickeys in the novel, chocolate torte, cheese and fresh fruit platters, nuts, and individually wrapped candies.
Sensational Seven of Appleton, Wisconsin and Reading Between the Wines of Albany, New York
LUCK OF THE TITANIC by Stacey Lee (Penguin Teen, 5/21)
The story of Valora and Jamie Luck, twin British-Chinese acrobats traveling aboard the Titanic on its ill-fated maiden voyage.
Sensational Seven: "We had never read a book based on the Titanic and this will definitely, not be the last! Stacey H. Lee is a beautiful, vivid writer, who brings a clear picture to mind of the setting of this story.Lee easily transports her readers to climb aboard the Titanic and visualize images of the luxurious upper decks and also, the lower levels reserved for the working class and immigrants, who were aboard the ship.”None of us had heard of The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and how horribly and unfairly, the Chinese were treated. The storyline of LUCK OF THE TITANIC revolves around Chinese/British acrobatic siblings, Jamie and Valora Luck. While they both held different aspirations for their futures, Val was intent on imploring her brother to perform for a part-owner of the Ringling Brothers circus who was traveling with them on the Titanic and then joining the circus after leaving the ship together. Jamie was already on board with a crew of his fellow Chinese workers, and we would have appreciated seeing further development of these compelling characters.
“As we were familiar with the Titanic's fate, we knew there was a finite timeline leading up to the major event in the story. This made us feel that the characters' storylines outside, of the ship sinking, were a bit too one-dimensional and that the beautiful story of these incredible siblings was somewhat rushed towards the end of the book. All in all, as a group, we thoroughly enjoyed reading the book.
We met via zoom, but one of our members did use her juggling skills, with a pineapple, like the heroine of the book, Valora!"
Reading Between the Wines: "We enjoyed discussing LUCK OF THE TITANIC. We love reading and discussing historical fiction—when it’s well done, we learn about moments in history in more depth and get wrapped up in an immersive story, which is what happened with this book. We enjoyed reading Val’s story, and exploring the bonds of family between her and her brother Jamie, and also the bonds of cultural heritage and friendship.
"After reading, we were inspired to learn more about the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was enacted for over 60 years and was designed to prevent almost all Chinese immigration to the United States. And we had no idea there were six Chinese men who survived the Titanic. This book is a tribute to their memories and a new angle on the story of the Titanic that we haven’t heard before. This book kept us engaged with the characters throughout, and it kept us guessing as to who would ultimately survive the sinking of the Titanic. We recommend this book to book clubs that enjoy 
historical fiction and YA fiction."
Menu: "We took some inspiration from the book, and had tea, oranges, croissants with marmalade, and candied fruit at our book club discussion."
Blu Stocking Lit(erary) Soc(iety) of West Allis, Wisconsin, Pittsburgh Chick Lit Book Club of Pennsylvania, Boulevard Book Group of Westfield, New Jersey
THE ARTIST COLONY by Joanna Fitzpatrick (She Writes Press, 9/7/2021)
Part mystery, part historical fiction, this novel 1924 celebrates the artistic talents of early women painters, the deep bonds of sisterhood, the muse that is beautiful scenery, and the determination of one young woman to discover the truth, to protect an artistic legacy, and to give her deceased sister the farewell she deserves.
Blu Stocking Lit(erary) Soc(iety): "Each member found the story to be fascinating and quickly became absorbed We recommend this book to book clubs that enjoy historical fiction, mystery/suspense, and strong female characters. The title implied a certain insularity of location just as the lives these women came there to pursue took them out of the 'norm of the day. We decided to organize as a 'literary society rather than a book club as we usually each pursue our genre of choice and come together to share and discuss. Historical fiction with a mystery is an area we all enjoy and it was fun to read the same book this time and share our insights. "The author's use of color in describing both the paintings and nature created a vivid sense of location. A few members mentioned the historical note at the end regarding the Japanese Internment put the details of Sirena's "passing" into a historical context and made them ponder that time in America's history.
"We had a great discussion on what constitutes a feminist and the role of women over the timeline of the early 1900s to the present. Also had some interesting observations and insights on the women in our families during the 1920s. All of the men seemed to have some type of ulterior motive and built the suspense and kept us guessing as to who did it.”
Menu: "Vegetable lasagna. While abalone is a bit scarce in the Midwest, we followed through on the quote from page 38 "Then all you need is a vegetable garden in your backyard and you will never go hungry?"
Pittsburgh Chick Lit Book Club: “This was a good match!. We enjoy reading historical fiction and recently expanded our reading interests to include mysteries. THE ARTIST COLONY provided us not only with a better understanding of the history of female artists but also provided us with a mystery to keep our interest.
“We found it interesting to compare the Carmel of the 1920' to the Carmel of today. None of us knew the original history of Carmel. It was interesting to learn that Carmel started as a female artist colony. We were also impressed with the level of independence exhibited by the main characters in the book. It was daunting to think about Sarah traveling by herself from France to California in the 1920s. Ada and Rosie's stories were also indicative of strong, independent women. We discussed the level of discrimination faced by female artists, and spent considerable time talking about Sirena's struggle with being not only a female artist but a ‘non-white’ female artist who was passing as white in order to have a chance at success. The level of discrimination against the Japanese in the 1920s was eye-opening and gave some of us the incentive to read more about the integration of immigrants into US society over the years.
We discussed our experiences viewing art in museums and other exhibits and agreed that viewing the art with an ‘expert’ was far more interesting than trying to interpret the art on our own. Learning about the artwork through the eyes of those who knew him and who better understand his art helps us to appreciate his genius as an artist. In Pittsburgh, we are fortunate to have the Andy Warhol Museum, which has several of his family members as employees and docents, and as a result of our discussion, we are planning a field trip to the museum in the Spring of 2022.
Menu: While the food served was not directly related to the theme of the book, we did enjoy a "Death by Chocolate" trifle and pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes.
Boulevard Book Group:
"A great match! THE ARTIST COLONY combines two of our favorite genres, historical fiction and mystery. We loved that Joanna Fitzpatrick could join us for the meeting. Speaking with the author really enhances the book group experience and Joanna fit right in with us.
"We thought the characters were well developed and we cared about Sarah. The inclusion of the little dog Albert added a fun element to the book. None of us guessed 'who done it'. Fitzpatrick is a very visual writer. The reader can really picture the time and place she writes about. One of our members commented, 'I loved reading this book. Every night I looked forward to my virtual trip to Carmel.' Her description of the colors and atmosphere of a place are perfection. You can tell that Joanna did a ton of research on the book. Each of us admitted we ran to google for more information at various times while reading the book. The mix of real and fictional characters gave authenticity to the book.
"We appreciate Joanna's ability to write in such a visual way. We asked if there were plans to turn the book into a movie or series, saying it would be perfect for the screen. We discussed how we've read many historical fiction books set during WWII, so it was great to read a book set in the '20's. We discussed how there are quite a few similarities from that era to our current time, especially the anti-Asian sentiment. We had a fun discussion on the real places in the book. Several of us have been to Keans Steakhouse in NYC and have visited Carmel. It was great to hear that there really were women's artist colonies in the 1920's and the artist cottage in the book is a real house, standing to this day.. We asked Joanna if she knew what the ending would be when she started the book to which she responded that no, it just came as she was writing. It was fascinating to hear about her writing process. We practically begged Joanna to write a sequel to the book hopefully set in France, so we can virtually travel there and since we all grew very fond of Sarah, Albert, and Rosie."
Menu: We were fascinated by the Japanese abalone divers in the book and while we didn't have abalone, one of our group members made a delicious clam dip. Even though the book was set in the prohibition era, we enjoyed wine.
Reckless Readers Book Club of Eastford, Connecticut, Page Ladies Book Club of Cleveland, Ohio
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins (St. Martins Press, 1/22)
From the author of The Wife Upstairs, a deliciously wicked gothic suspense, set on an isolated Pacific island with a dark history
"RECKLESS GIRLS was a fast-paced thriller with odd twists—a page-turner!."A deserted island. Seven people with something to hide. One person missing. Another dead. Will any of them make it off the island? We loved the mysterious creepy island setting and the tension that comes from it. Something isn’t 100% with each character and this makes it even better—their flashbacks provide 'aha' moments. Rachel Hawkins's writing is so descriptive you'll feel you're on the island with the scorching sun beating down on you! The world-building, the suspense & the tension, and many twists keep you reading! We discussed the characters' actions and what we would have done differently, in the individual relationships, and how some events impacted or changed the dynamics."
Menu: "Fresh fruits, croissants, and coffee."
"A great match! Everyone enjoyed the book. Set on an island with a haunted history. Our book club decided to change its name in honor of our first GalleyMatch. We are now The Reckless Readers! The book sparked a lot of conversation about the characters and their choices. Our biggest discussion revolved around the characters once they made it to the island. A lot goes on when they get there, and we all wanted more! We discussed the Amma/Brittany drama, and how we wanted more of the creepy jungle story."
Menu: "Individual pineapple upside-down cakes and Spam salad were served for a Hawaiian vibe. Confetti cupcakes were made to match the cover. 
Sushi, for an island vibe, with a strawberry vodka lemonade."
MVLS Teen Reads Schenectady, New York, Central Region and Friends, New Berlin, Wisconsin, North Wales Area Library Book Club, Pennsylvania, John Champe High School Project LIT, Ashburn, Virginia, Mercersburg Academy Book Club, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
- Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo (Penguin, 1/19/21, YA)
- The acclaimed author of ASH returns with her most personal and ambitious novel yet, a gripping story of love and duty set in San Francisco's Chinatown during the 1950s.
MVLS Teen Reads Schenectady, New York, Central Region and Friends, New Berlin, Wisconsin, North Wales Area Library Book Club, Pennsylvania, John Champe High School Project LIT, Ashburn, Virginia, Mercersburg Academy Book Club, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
MVLS Teen Reads: "This title, especially, was something that we might not have chosen so it was neat to do a "'et what you get' and read away We are a small group of professionals who enjoyed reading and discussing a piece of YA fiction that is bound to be much discussed during the coming months. Coming into Pride month it was certainly timely. We are a bunch of nerds, so the back matter was especially thrilling because we could pull different things up on our phones while we were talking to be like 'did you know about X?' We pulled up some clips about Storme'. We also discussed how we had to look up the food mentioned, like wa mooi. We did laugh at how they talked about midcentury American food 'swimming in cream.'
Communism and kids living through the red scare vs what it's like to be a person of color in America today. Bunch of white people talking about it, but trying to think about what we need to do to make sure kids have freedom and safety. From an information professional's point of view, it means access and confronting misinformation when we see it."
Menu: "Our group loves food. We talked about what kinds of food we'd all enjoyed when we've visited places with bustling Chinatowns, and how we order (and try to branch out) when we order from our local Chinese places. Stories about Chinese groceries and trying to decipher things".
Central Region & Friends: "Emphatically YES, a great match It was a book that none of us had heard of. Some members were skeptical, but in the end, most loved this book. We loved Lily and her pull between two worlds. Some were shocked at the treatment of the LGBT community by the police and others, just for being who they are. Others knew more about that era and were not surprised."Our discussion was so colorful and had such depth that we don’t always get with some of our club picks. There was an initial discussion about the times. How after certain events, people have been persecuted in the United States, and how that trend, even decades later is continuing. We discussed the hardships of the LGBT community at the time, and the discussed how Lily would have had even more difficulty being gay at the time, due to her very traditional, Chinese family and upbringing. We discussed her bravery, coming out to her parents, and trying to be her true self when the easier choice could have been to fade into the shadows. Life was hard for all those in the gay community then, but Lily had to feel like she didn’t belong anywhere. We discussed how Lily’s aunt was a lifeline to her— although she didn’t quite understand Lily and her feelings, she accepted her the way she was and gave her a place to stay when her home wasn’t an option anymore. All in all, this book was a brilliant work of historical fiction, that the group devoured and loved. Thank you again for another brilliant selection."
Menu: We met virtually, but some decided to have champagne, as the girls drank at the Telegraph Club, and others made martinis. One even made sangria for herself, since that was mentioned on the night that Lily and Kath went to the party at the older girl's apartment.
North Wales Area Library: "We discussed the 1950s and what was happening in the US and the world. All attendees were adults and we discussed how this book was a tasteful/good choice for young adults. The group liked the way Lily gradually discovered herself and that no graphic material was needed. We discussed girls and friendship, high school, Chinatown, race relations, and the space program. In addition to the author's note, the group liked the timelines at the beginning of each chapter and the definitions throughout the book. The group felt the book would interest teens aged 14-up. This is a great book to highlight during PRIDE month but lovers of historical fiction are sure to embrace it too. The group like the author's note."
John Champe Project LIT: "Many of our members found Lily's experiences and internalized shame to be very authentic and relatable, even to a modern audience. Although we feared a sad ending for Lily, it was galvanizing to see her stand up for herself and begin to make her way in the world. This book did match our reading choices. Authentic, heartfelt explorations of identity and first love in a historical setting.
"We had an icebreaker that asked our members which decade of the 20th century they would choose to visit...and then soon realized that most of us would not be free to explore other decades with our current identities. We decided as a group not to time travel, hahaha. We also had a lively discussion about Lily's friend Shirley and whether or not we hated her or sympathized with her, especially given the time. And finally, we talked about how Lily exp
erienced a lot of subtle racism even within the community she found at the Telegraph Club and how that impacted her.
Menu: We created 50's themed packs that had classic glass-bottled Cokes, a Playlist, and other snacks.
Friday Lunch and Dessert Club of Escondido, California and the Jane Austen Book Club of Lexington, Kentucky
THE SECRET KEEPER OF JAIPUR by Alka Joshi (MIRA/ HTP, 6/21)
Henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in the sequel to The Henna Artist.
Friday Lunch and Dessert Club: "Our members enjoyed reading the continued saga of the characters brought to life in THE HENNA ARTIST. Gold being such a part of Indian culture —and the limits placed on how much gold could be imported —was eye-opening. The fact that it has led to black market smuggling, especially that it has become a 'norm in the culture. The subject of the exquisite Royal Jewel Cinema collapse was terrifying, and of interest, as the owner of a dance school that performs in theaters.
"The undercutting of quality supplies and the loss of trust between family members and friends made us sad (and mad!) Additionally, watching Malik grow from a street urchin to an educated man who is then drawn to Nimmi, an uneducated nomadic tribal woman, and observing how she was accepted was enlightening and inspiring. The Healing Garden/natural remedies, which eventually created common ground between Lakshmi and Nimmi, was of interest. We all truly appreciated learning about the cultures, traditions, foods, and language. We also appreciated the character and terminology glossaries!"
Menu: "The colorful, flavor-filled Indian recipes featured in the book made us all hungry! We served Chicken Tikka Masala; Paneer Tikka Masala; Basmati Rice; Salad w/Shallot Vinaigrette; Vegetable Samosas; Garlic Naan; Hot Chai Spiced Tea; Kulfi Ice Cream; Macaroons."
Jane Austen Book Club: "As always, Alka Joshi did not disappoint! The Jane Austen Book Club dined for cocktails and discussion as we shared our favorite moments from Alka’s follow-up to her amazing novel, THE HENNA ARTIST!
"This time our members were transported to 1960s Jaipur with our favorites Lakshmi and Malik, along with Lakshmi’s new husband Dr. Jay Kumar. The only one missing is dear Radha (but there have been whispers we will not be separated from her for long)! We have mystery and intrigue as Malik finds himself at the center of a tragic event. Enter Lakshmi and her well-guarded secrets to help Malik solve the case!Discussion highlights included: Indian fashion, the importance of jewelry to women in Indian culture, women’s medical health, Indian cinema If you loved THE HENNA ARTIST you are going to love the sequel!"
Kings Chapel Book Club of Arrington, Tennessee and The Revivals Book Club of Germantown, Wisconsin
THE SHOW GIRL by Nicola Harrison (St Martin's Press, 8/21)
A novel about the glamorous world of the Ziegfeld Follies, through the eyes of a young midwestern woman who comes to New York City to find her destiny as a Follies star.
Kings Chapel Book Club:" Thank you for THE SHOW GIRL! It was a hit for our book club! A very good match for our book club, that likes historical fiction and —and everyone seemed to love this one. Several members who couldn't attend wanted everyone to know how much they loved it and especially the ending. It was a quick easy read that captures you from the first page. Everyone seemed interested in reading more historical fiction set during this period, the time of prohibition."
"We discussed the fact that Olive is very young and seemed to make some poor choices. She also didn't have a choice about some things that happened to her. Balancing your wants and desires with family expectations is very hard, especially during the 1920s, when women were expected to stay home and raise families. Olive experienced all the world had to offer and had some good times and some bad times, but she faced her fear and stood for what she wanted."
Menu: "The book cover was so gorgeous, a member made beautiful matching orange feather cookies!"
The Revivals Book Club "This book was very much enjoyed by our members. No one had read or was very familiar with the Ziegfeld Follies. Although I vividly remember I Love Lucy in “Lucy Gets Into Pictures” (S4;E18 of I LOVE LUCY 1955), Lucy the showgirl has trouble balancing a huge headdress while walking down a flight of steps on camera. We all agreed this coming-of-age and historical fiction novel is an enjoyable and enlightening read that we would recommend to others. Olive Shine is a young woman from Minneapolis, passionate about her career, her independence, and "who knows exactly who she wants to be." Harrison weaves a vivid depiction of the Ziegfeld Follies from behind the scenes, including a description of the perfect show girl, grueling rehearsals and the fatigue on the women's bodies, job insecurity, expensive costumes, and the fun and follies of youth living in New York City in per-depression times. When Olive least expects to fall in love, along comes Archie Carmichael, a wealthy successful businessman. Their shared love upends everything Olive has worked hard to overcome and achieve. Their union is met with reservations from Archie's parents, while Olive's parents believe their dreams for Olive to settle down will become a reality. The push-pull of societal expectations for a woman in the 1920s, often had us cringing. Olive is headstrong and resilient. Following Black Tuesday on October 29, 1929, everyone is forced to reevaluate their priorities in order to move forward into an unknown future.
Menu: "We met at deli, a nod to New York-style delis. We enjoyed grilled tuna and Reben sandwiches as well as tasty Italian desserts."
Lit Ladies Read Book Club of Melbourne, Florida, Brunch and Books of Bowling Green, Kentucky
SHOULDER SEASON by Christina Clancy (St.Martins, 7/21)
A portrait of an unlikely Playboy Bunny at a Wisconsin Playboy Resort.
Lit Ladies Read Book Club: "A great discussion! We have a broad range of backgrounds and we enjoy reading different genres. We have read historical fiction before, this book reinforced that we enjoy this genre We loved discussing this book, there was so much to talk about, including the differences between the treatment of women in the 1980s versus now. It was interesting to compare the men in Sherri’s life and the choices Sherri made. We could all relate to and understand Sherri’s desire to find where she belongs. Some members also really enjoyed the historical aspect of the Bunnies and the Resorts, which they researched and provided a little history lesson!"
Menu: "We met at The Melting Pot for Wisconsin Cheddar cheese fondue and martinis."
Brunch & Books: "It was a good match in the sense that it was out of our comfort zone.Lots of discussion about the era because several members were alive during that time. Talk of her friendships with the other bunnies at the resort and how important female friendships are!"
Over-Readers Anonymous Book Club of Acworth, Georgia, and ZTA North Fulton Alumnae Book Club of Fulton, GeorgiaHAVEN POINT by Virginia Hume (St.Martins, 6/21)
A sweeping debut novel about generations of a family that spends summers in a seaside enclave on Maine's rocky coastline
Over-Readers Anonymous: "A great match for our book club—we thought it was the perfect summer read.We shared memories of similar vacation traditions. The book also generated discussion around our own family histories. We enjoyed the historical aspect of the earlier portion of the timeline and the insular vacation community. The family secret revelations during the second part of the book kept us turning the paged. We discussed the timeline, points of view, vacation communities, food, and the themes explored in the book, along with the narrative structure, the timeline, grief, and friendship."
Menu: "We met at Zoёs Kitchen for soup and sandwiches, a popular food theme in the book. We also talked about our favorite New England cuisine.
ZTA North Fulton Alumnae Book Club: "Because Hurricane Irma was threatening, we discussed past hurricane experiences. The book also generated discussion around our own family secrets and vacation traditions. We talked about how easily we connected with the characters and followed their stories. We felt the novel focused on friendship, family, and community, especially during challenging seasons. It is during those challenges that true character is revealed."
Menu: we met at Chiringa Restaurant in Alpharetta, GA. They serve elevated beach food. Unfortunately, they were out of their delicious lobster rolls!
The Page Ladies of Cleveland, Ohio and Salem Crossing Book Club of Murfreesboro, TennesseeBLIND TIGER by Sandra Brown (Grand Central, 8/21)
The year 1920 comes in with a roar in this rousing and suspenseful novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown. Prohibition is the new law of the land, but murder, mayhem, lust, and greed are already institutions in the Moonshine Capital of Texas.
The Page Ladies of Cleveland, Ohio: "We highly enjoyed the story! We have read previous books by Sandra Brown, and this book was different in a positive way —and for members who knew nothing about prohibition, the book was an eye-opener."
"We discussed: whether our lives been disrupted on short notice and if the bootleggers who distilled and sold alcohol doing what they could to feed their families? Or were they taking advantage of a difficult situation? We thought the bootleggers were both. We also discussed whether big secrets 'erode' relationships or are some secrets are worth keeping? They're not all secrets are of a negative nature. The majority felt keeping a secret is preventing the other party from being hurt."|
Menu: "Mimosas with mix-ins; strawberry & blueberry simple syrups, orange juice, and a mixed berry beverage. Vegetables with ranch dressing, mini quiches, ham & Swiss cheese baked sliders, boiled shrimp, charcuterie board of cheeses, and meat.”
Salem Crossing Book Club of Murfreesboro, Tennessee: "We enjoyed our trip to the 1920s! Historical fiction is not something we associate with Sandra Brown, but you will not be disappointed! This book takes place in Texas during the 1920s when prohibition was just starting. Designed to reduce crime and corruption, health, and to improve hygiene in America, the Prohibition 'noble experiment', instead created the moonshine wars— and the craziness that comes with greed. There was much discussion about Laurel; we all enjoyed her character, but the entire book gave us much to discuss, including have been like to live then, what it would be like as a woman alone with kids, and what we would have done to try and provide for a family—would we be willing to make moonshine or would we try to find another way? We also talked about the law then, and how you could be guilty by one person's observation. The character development was wonderful! Add to that Brown’s romance, suspense, and her research and you have a powerful read!"
The Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri and Notre Dame CNY/NNY Book Club of Watertown, New York
ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE by Mike Gayle (Grand Central, 7/21)
Jamaican immigrant Hubert rediscovers the world he’d turned his back on.
The Happy Bookers: "It’s great to discover new authors and our latest greatest discovery is Mike Gayle, and his latest book and our first of his, ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE. Words won't do this book justice! It was a great match. We enjoyed the characters, what we learned about what Hubert faced, and about both countries he lived in. This book has a mix of lightness and depth. His trials and his family situation gave us much to discuss.
"Hubert Bird is a character to be remembered, and he will stay with you long after the book is over. A book to reread is a rarity, but this one goes on that list. Gayle tells Hubert's story in alternating chapters. Mike Gayle does it seamlessly. His journey with his family and friends had us gasping in surprise at several revelations we didn’t forsee. Hubert finds hope, love, and friendship that he richly deserves. A 5 star read for us!"
Menu: "We enjoyed tropical drinks and fruit while transporting ourselves to Jamaica— and discussed that book club should travel to Jamaica."
Notre Dame CNY/NNY Book Club: "Thank you for this opportunity! We recommend ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE!
"We discussed racism in the 1950s and 1960s England; the emotional struggle of losing children to drugs and sudden death; the feelings of isolation due to life changes (moving, job loss, marriage/child-rearing); and how we all exist on a spectrum between total extrovert and total introvert."
Menu: "If we had met in person: chocolate cakes, Guinness, pineapple juice, and tea!"
Reading Between the Wines of Albany, New York, The Next Chapter of Frisco, Texas, Cork & Olive Book Club of Valrico Florida, Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey
SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE by Tia Wiliams (Grand Central, 6/21)
A witty, romantic, novel about two writers and their second chance at love.
Reading Between the Wines: Our book club really enjoyed SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE! It is steamy and smart and has a lot of deeper issues and observations which made for a great discussion. We really liked Eva and Shane, and especially liked Audre, Eva’s precocious 12-year-old daughter.
"It led to so many great discussions. We talked about how genre authors don’t get the respect that literary fiction authors do, we discussed whitewashing in our culture in terms of media, and also our nation’s history. We also talked about “invisible” disabilities like the migraines Eva experiences, and how generational trauma can repeat over again and again, and what we can do and have done to break the cycle.
Menu: "Foods that were featured in the book snickerdoodles, gelato, and bacon-wrapped asparagus."
The Next Chapter of Frisco, Texas: "The title made us think of a good summer read. Everyone gave it high ratings, and one member said it was her favorite book so far this year We liked that the characters were relatable, interesting, and funny ell developed. We did not like the mother but in the end, we understood her. The storyline was unique. It was funny how the main characters’ novels were about the other—keeping their relationship alive. GalleyMatch offers a great way to hear about new authors we didn’t know about and broadens our horizons."
Book Club Girls Sparta: “We fell in love with the characters Eva and Shane in this wonderful modern-day romance about rekindling old flames. Young Eva and Shane with their substance abuse and family Issues found one another and felt something so primal and deep, that neither has forgotten. As the years apart Impact their careers and relationships we reminisced about our first loves, our younger selves, and our freedom to take a chance on love. Being more mature, and with more baggage, we were not so sure if they had met now, they would feel the attachments as when they were eighteen This was a very enjoyable, timely story that delved into the complex themes of race, substance abuse, motherhood, single parent struggles, societal barriers, and an insight into the world of publishing and the very different experiences for male and female authors. We highly recommend it, especially for those looking for a book with substance and romance, that also offers many discussion points. It would also make a great Netflix movie!
Menu: If we had met in person, Creole food, Jambalaya, Cosmos, martinis
Cork & Olive Book Club: “This book generated much discussion. Everyone loved Shane and Eva and especially Audre. We want to read the 'books' these two authors wrote! We discussed self-harm, racism, child abuse/neglect, addictions and co-dependency, inequality as women, as Black women raised in the book. We also talked about first love and how deep we felt as teenagers."
Menu: Inspired by the book: bacon-wrapped asparagus, parmesan tuilles, assorted cookies, sliders, crab cakes, beef tarts, gelato, sparkling wine.
The Carrollton (Texas) Book Buddies, Mom and I of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, and Wine PW Bloggers
SOBREMESA: A Memoir of Food and Love in Thirteen Courses (Scribe, 5/21)
In her coming-of-age adventure, Josephine travels to her family’s homeland of Argentina in search of belonging—to family, to country, to a love, and ultimately, to oneself.
Carrollton Book Buddies: "The ingredients of multiple generations and memorable food; seasoned by bonds of love, make SOBREMESA an inspiring culinary and reading experience."Family traditions sparked a lively discussion on childhood memories, especially events where parents and kids were participants. The Gentleman Caller led to lots of sharing involving ghosts, angels, and signs in different times of our lives. Our overall feeling was nostalgia for holiday or vacation traditions spent with family and the memories those evoke.
"We were surprised at the energy and time invested in cooking for Josephine's family as children, then later at the estancia in Argentina. Dorita and Poupee were amazing in the kitchen! The recipes and memories shared in the book are proof. The transcontinental travel involved was also costly, emotionally and financially. This memoir was a different genre for our group, but it's always good to expand reading boundaries."
Menu: We loved the food! For our sobremesa, recipes from the memoir, including Hearts of Palm Salad with Orange vinaigrette dressing, Empanadas, Grilled Chicken, and mushrooms- Desserts: Dulce de Leche Gelatin, also Alfajores, & Besitos from a local bakery, Argentinian Malbec wines, also guest take-away gifts: muslin bags of chimichurri seasoning and the recipe for the marinade. The Dulce de Leche Gelatin flower molds were a feat!
My Mom and I: “Josephine is so close to her family, we knew she’d appreciate having a part in our own Sobremesa. Food is love in our family. Cooking and sharing food is as important to us as it is to Josephine.”
“This foodie memoir was a good match for us. We loved to talk about the food and recipes, and especially enjoyed that the recipes are included in every chapter. Most were recipes we’d enjoy, and all were interesting. We got an enormous kick of Josephine considering Pittsburgh a home! We both live about an hour from Pittsburgh so the local references were a fun touch.
We talked about family—Josephine’s and ours—and how we can relate to Josephine trying to perfect her grandmother’s dulce de leche recipe with practically no help from her grandmother lol We can both relate to women in our family not being able (or willing!) to share the exact, treasured recipe but who important it is to recreate it. You kind of have to find a way to keep that recipe, sometimes recipes outlive the person themselves. It’s our way of bringing a piece of them back, keeping them at the table with us for important days and holidays."
Menu: “We made the mushroom sandwiches and loved them. We were delighted that we got to try Josephine’s homemade dulce de leche,a huge treat! We put it on top of vanilla bean ice cream and it was wonderful.
Wine PW Bloggers: Kobrand Wine and Spirits sponsored Argentinian wines to pair with the recipes with Bodega Norton wines.
Links to all posts with recipes here
“What a treat to read. In fact, I've read it more than once already. It's an immigrant story. It's a love story. It's also about loss and grief as her mom dies unexpectedly. But life goes on, babies are born, and we continue to make connections with each other over shared meals.”
“While the focus of the memoir is on familial and romantic love, the tidbits I found most tantalizing were the indispensable tips on making authentic Argentinian food, which deepened my understanding of the cuisine. SOBREMESA succeeds by delivering an Argentinian memoir of food and love in 13 courses with heirloom family recipes.”
“As stories go, Josephine's is an intriguing tale of the spiritual world mixed into her daily life. Childhood in America, a stint in Argentina, along with a romance that led her to make a family with the love of her life, lasting bonds with extended family in Argentina, return to America. Her business was all with the continued presence of her ancestral spirits and people, dead and alive, that influenced her life in so many ways. Read the book to find out more!
“This robust memoir portion leads readers through Josephine’s personal journey, including her childhood, coming of age, parenthood, and marriage. The author seamlessly incorporates a selection of recipes that mirror the storytelling's texture with a charming and humorous flair. For example, Milanesas (beef milanese) will serve seven people, “maybe, if you hide them well enough.” The author has a knack for showing emotion in endearing ways that make the reader feel like they are a part of the scenes as they unfold, particularly in her descriptions of the cast of characters, which I loved. I learned about the concept of sobremesa, which is the shared experience of enjoying a meal and conversation with loved ones. Though this story is indelibly focused on the author’s own heritage — she was raised in Pittsburgh with an Argentine background and culture — the concept can be translated to any group of people that care for one another."
Reading Between The Wines Book Club of Albany, New York
OC BooksandBrunch Book Club of Lake Forest, California
DARK ROADS by Chevy Stevens (St.Martins Press, 8/21)
Taut, chilling, and heartbreaking, Stevens's most breathtaking thriller yet.
Reading Between The Wines: "Stevens’ STILL MISSING was a book club favorite, so we jumped at the chance for an early read DARK ROADS, about a girl, Hailey, that vanishes from her small town. Everyone thinks she’s a victim of the highway killer who’s been at large for decades. A year later, Beth shows up in town, determined to find out what happened to her sister Amber, and Hailey.
"The book has an immersive sense of place and the descriptive writing made us feel like we were in the British Columbia woods! This thriller keeps you on your toes, and surprises you with a satisfying ending.
We were invested in Hailey's story. We had not guessed who the killer was but the reveal was well done and made sense. The author did a great job ratcheting up the suspense. We love thrillers and this was a great match. We all enjoyed the book and the author's writing style.
Menu: "Many scenes in the book take place in the local diner— especially breakfast— we served breakfast for dinner: mini quiche, bacon, hash browns, fresh berries, and a lemon chess pie. We also made a pitcher of Sea Breezes, a perfect brunch drink."
OC BooksandBrunch: "A great match, especially for the thriller lovers in our group"This book is divided into three sections. In Part One we discover the disappearances of various young girls who were last seen on Cold Creek Highway but no killer has been found. Part Two switches to another narrator, and in Part Three is everything comes together in a suspenseful and thrilling way.
"We agreed that the police officer was such a despicable character, which brought up an interesting discussion of how some people use their authority to manipulate others. On the other hand, Wolf was such an interesting addition to the story. We also admired the determination of the main character, Hailey, and how resilient and brave she was to have faked her death and to have survived by herself living in the middle of nowhere. We also enjoyed the friendship between Hailey and Jonny."I loved the suspense that was created in the first few chapters.I learned that this book is loosely based on the real stories of the Highway of Tears in northern British Columbia which gave me chills! We had a fantastic meeting and the food, the company, and the conversations were amazing!"
The Sensational Seven Book Club and the Fabulous Six Book Clubs of Appleton, Wisconsin
Get Woke Book Club of New Prague Minnesota, Mountain Meadows Book Club of Renton, Washington, and Pittsburgh Chick LIt Book Club of Pennsylvania
SPIN: A Novel Based on a (Mostly) True Story by Peter Zheutlin (Pegasus, 6/21)
Ride away on a 'round-the-world adventure of a lifetime—with only a change of clothes and a pearl-handled revolver—in this transcendent novel inspired by the life of Annie Londonderry
The Sensational Seven Book Club: “What a story Peter Zheutlin told, what a fascinating woman. and such a beautifully written story! We had an animated conversation like no other, with many opinions about Annie’s choices and how her decisions shaped the person she became."
"We loved the beautiful cover of Annie on her ‘wheel’ and the simple, perfect title. seeing the cover and the title made us anxious to dive into SPIN! The book prompted such great discussion. At the young age of 23, she made the bold decision to take up the daunting challenge of biking around the world. How many of us would ever even think to attempt this feat? The author based the book on ‘a mostly true story,' but what a story he told through a letter from Annie to her granddaughter, Mary. What a creative take on Miss Londonderry’s tale! He authored the book in such a beautiful way that you could often visualize the sights and scenes as Annie navigated her way across the world on her bicycle.
"We agreed that although Annie is a champion and a woman truly ahead of her time, it was difficult to approve of her choice to leave her husband and three young children for 15 months. One of the reading guide questions prompted a long discussion about Annie’s character: She was charismatic, driven, courageous, and adventurous. Could we look beyond so many of the choices she made and deem her a ‘likable’ character? Peter Zheutlin’s great-grandaunt was a character not soon forgotten by any of us and one who provided our book club with an animated conversation like no other!
"Menu: "We focused on Annie’s ancestry with Jewish-themed snacks and drinks. We spent an evening around a bonfire drinking Manischewitz wine and noshing on snacks with Za’atar seasoning. Delicious!"
Fabulous Six Book Club: “Written from the viewpoint of Annie, in a letter to her granddaughter, was the perfect way to tell her story. After all, SPIN is "A Novel Based on A Mostly True Story."
An engaging and quick read, SPIN is laced with bits of American history during the time Annie was biking around the world in the 1890s. She encountered several well-known people, such as Susan B Anthony and Annie Oakley. So why have we heard nothing of Annie's feat before? Peter Zheutlin skillfully took us on Annie's journey using a letter that she has written to her only Granddaughter, Mary, and was able to capture her feelings, her awareness, and why made some of her decisions. Both Annie and the author tell us to decide for ourselves what to believe and what is imagined. If not for the author's research and tenacity, the story of Annie Londonderry (Annie Cohen Kopchovsky) likely would have been lost. Our discussion revolved around Annie, women's issues, and the press. We decided that even during Annie's time, the press played an important role in promoting her and her journey.
Annie was ahead of her time. Every idea of what a woman ‘should’ be during the 1800s— she was not. She seemed aware of the fact that what she was doing would be frowned upon. We had good discussions regarding women and motherhood. Members were not fond of the choices that Annie made in her life, while others thought she felt trapped and had non-maternal instinct. Annie wasn’t suited for the traditional role of wife and mother and didn't deny it. At the first chance, she set out on her adventure around the world on a 42 -pound Columbia bike. To do this, she gradually changed her persona. Annie spun embellished tales on her trip.
Having never heard of Annie and her "Round-the-World" adventure, it was fun to do some additional research using d links provided via the author's Reading Guide and website. How is it that her family didn't know more of her story? The Author's Note explained that this family story had been lost. and gave insight into Annie's decisions. I appreciate the commitment made by the author in researching Annie, and that we are encouraged to imagine which parts of her story are true. You'll find Annie quite fascinating!”
Get Woke Book Club: "Read SPIN! You will be happy you went on the ride! As the wheels on Annie’s bike turn, readers are entertained with tales of adventure, imprisonment, romance, and danger. Annie’s contribution to the women’s movement made our members fortunate to have gone on the ride with her.” Our first in-person meeting in over a year was held at Next Chapter Winery. In honor of Annie, we rode bikes to the winery, and faced many dangers on the way! SPIN is based on the life of Zheutlin’s great-grandaunt, Annie Londonderry, who at age 23 in 1894 pedals around the world on a man’s one-speed bike, earning room and board as she travels. In the first paragraph Annie, a.k.a. Annie Kopchovsky, reveals that she is not the ‘most reliable witness to the events of [her] own life,’ alerting readers that her penchant for ‘spinning’ was not confined to the bike. Let the ‘spinning begin’! We were amused and captivated by Annie’s stories. Did 500 people really attend Annie’s send-off in Boston? Did Annie log 10,000 miles on her one-speed, man’s bike? Did Annie perform in the Wild West show with Annie Oakley? These questions were spinning through our minds as we read."
"The important message behind Annie’s life and adventures: In an arranged marriage with an older man, the mother of three small children was the family’s breadwinner. Annie tells us that she was not the only woman of her era to be overwhelmed by her responsibilities, but she was able to ‘break free.' We felt we would not have left our children as Annie did, but understood the pressures and expectations placed on women of the era. Annie’s resourcefulness, spunk, and courage made her a ‘symbol for an entire generation of women and a symbol of the struggle for women’s equality.' The invention of the bicycle emancipated women, and drastically influenced a redesign of their clothing. Annie’s ability to 'ride' this new movement was more important than any actual miles spent on her bike."
"We played ‘Fact or Fiction,’ a game combining Annie’s stories with facts from Zheutlin’s biography of Annie, Around the Word on Two Wheels Each card featured an Annie story that prompted discussion about its veracity. The flip-side provided factual information. Annie’s tales had our heads spinning and judgments faltering. Events we labeled as fact were fiction, and vice versa. Trust us, Annie’s stories are worth the read. 125 years after her momentous trip, she is reveling in the attention that her stories continue to generate. As one member said, ‘This was over 100 years ago, and women are still fighting some of the same battles.'"
Menu: "Annie suggested that Colonel Pope greet her whiskey. We identified as 'Kindred Spirits' with Annie with the winery’s whiskey.
Mountain Meadows Book Club of Renton, Washington "A good match for a book club of independent and adventurous women. SPIN: A novel based on a MOSTLY true story told us we'd be reading a biographical account of an interesting woman with a little bit of artistic license thrown in. A global sensation in the 1890s, the story of Annie Londonderry was mostly forgotten: In 1895 The New York World declared Annie’s round-the-world bicycle tour “the most extraordinary journey ever undertaken by a woman.” A hundred years later, the extraordinary journey of discovery Peter undertook to bring this story to life is just as fascinating.
Discussion highlights included our fascination with how the story of Annie came to the author's attention and what kind of providence? fate? luck? started the chain of events that ended with this interesting story. Sorting through Annie's truth to try to imagine what the actual situations would be like was interesting. A woman of her time being able to self-promote and control her own narrative was very impressive -even if it meant embellishing the truth. No man (then or now) would think embellishing the truth for promotional purposes is even the slightest bit scandalous. We were left wanting to know more about Annie. Tons of Googling and Wiki searches were our norm."
Very few books compel the reader to want to know more about the origins of the story. After reading SPIN I not only craved more information about Annie Londonderry, but dare I say, I wanted to learn so much more about the circumstances that brought this book into being. The story behind the story captured my imagination as much as Ms. Londonderry herself.
A series of events led Zheutlin to discover the details of his family’s history from a second cousin. Deep in her basement are boxes filled with forgotten family secrets and history. After extensive research and time piecing together the puzzle, he has created a novel, mostly based on fact, of this amazing woman, Annie Londonderry.
"We highly recommend the book, and suggest you check out the author's 2008 account of Annie Londonderry’s extraordinary ride Around the Word on Two Wheels.”
Pittsburgh Chick LIt Book Club of Pennsylvania: "A winner! We thoroughly enjoyed SPIN. Annie motivated us to dust off our bikes and travel local bike paths this spring. We may just call ourselves the ‘Annie's Girls’ as we bike around our neighborhoods.
‘Annie didn't run away to join the circus. Annie became the circus.’ Author Peter Zheutlin 's comment summarizes our book discussion. Peter joined our discussion and provided insight on the research and writing. It's difficult to believe that a 23 year-old, married woman with three children, would leave her family for over a year to bicycle around the world—over 100 years ago. Annie Kopchovksy, who assumed the name Annie Londonderry for her adventure, learned to ride a bike, plotted biking routes, handled the logistics of traveling between stops, and financed her adventure primarily by giving lectures and working odd jobs while on her trip. Our complaints about commutes and business trip delays pale in comparison to Annie’s challenges as she biked around the world. While the author admitted it is difficult to separate fact from fiction in Annie's stories, the route she traveled is accurate and indicates a woman with a strong desire to succeed. A master of self-promotion, Annie notified journalists before arriving in a city and worked with them to get her story published in newspapers.
"It surprised us that Annie was a sensation not only in the countries and cities that she visited but also in places to which she never traveled. The world delighted in her sensational stories. While she may have embellished her accomplishments, it was clear she was not afraid to be herself and to be recognized for her success. We appreciate stories about women who overcame difficulties to achieve their dreams/goals."
Cork & Olive Book Club of Valrico, Florida, KC Book Club of Kansas City, Missouri, Fab Six Book Club of Appleton, Wisconsin, Books N Cooks of Elk Grove, California
THE GLORIOUS GUINNESS GIRLS by Emily Hourican (Grand Central, 5/21)
A novel imagining the story of the Guinness Girls, the daughters of the Guinness founder
Cork & Olive Book Club of Valrico, Florida: “The book had so much depth that it sparked plenty of discussion outside of the questions that were provided.
"A great match! It was easy to set a theme for our meeting and The book is very well-written and we enjoyed the storytelling. It was especially unique to read it from Fliss's point of view. Hourican did a great job of introducing the Guinness sisters to us but also Fliss, who we all loved Fliss!
"Our favorite question: which of the sisters each of us related to. It was fun to talk about each sister, what we had in common, and how several of us are a combination of all three girls. We wondered why Fliss was not included as an option—many of us related to her.
"We also discussed Ireland and the IRA. Not many of us are familiar with that period in history."
Menu: Irish treats: Shepherd's Pie, Guinness Chocolate Cake, Guinness Bread, Irish Tart, Guinness Cheese with Pretzels, Black Velvets (Guinness and Champagne), and Baby Guinness (Coffee liquor and Irish Creme)
KC Book Club of Kansas City, Missouri: "We were excited about a historical fiction book set in Ireland, as members have traveled there and love the country. This book was a lovely surprise.”It shows the divide between the working class and wealthy and very entitled high society of the interwar period, the aftermath of World War 1, and the excess and debauchery of the Roaring 20s that came down with a crash when The Great Depression hit at the end of 1929. The Guinness Girls were staggeringly wealthy, beautiful, but were they happy?
"With the story beginning in 1918, several members were surprised that the 1918 Flu Pandemic was not mentioned, and also that the book focused on Fliss, and the Guinness sisters and family were secondary characters. Members liked the Irish Revolt history, an aspect of British history that we don't know much about as Americans. The history that included something of the Irish Civil War was fascinating. The group agreed that the Guinness Girls lived in a very gilded cage and the Roaring 20s party scene was excessive and shallow. The expectations for the girls to marry well, contrasted with the fulfilling careers that Fliss and Mildred have compared with the 'good' marriages and no possibility of a career for the sisters and other members (male and female) in the aristocracy during that period.”
Menu: "We enjoyed Rumchata Banana Pudding cups for dessert. Not exactly Irish, but a 'pudding'!"
Fab Six Book Club: "Hourican interweaves the Roaring 20s, the civil unrest in Ireland, and the impact on the characters with the story of the Guinness sisters and family.”-The novel introduces each of the three sisters and heirs of the Guinness empire. While they lead a glamorous life, we are also introduced to the post-World War I aftermath and growing divide related to social issues. Hourican does a good job of giving us the history of that time. Felicity, "Fliss,” the narrator of the story, is enjoyable as she tells the story of the sisters as an outsider looking into their world, and was a favorite character, although the three sisters each take on a life of their own through Hourican's writing.
"We discussed the lives the Guinness Girls led; clothes, parties, and carefree attitude that their wealth afforded them. Telling the story from Fliss's point of view was effective: the reader has the perspective of seeing others as an outsider. There are many twists and turns in this story.”
Menu: "Cheese, crackers, and veggies, all served on St. Patrick's Day plates."
Books N Cooks: "Our club likes historical fiction and also stories that include foods and cultures from other lands. We discussed which characters we related to and how different and the same the two mother figures were. A couple of us related to Fliss and not the three Guinness Girls and we also compared mothers and depression and anxiety from different eras. A couple of the ladies in our club related to Aileen and one of our ladies compared herself to Maureen and we all agreed!"
Menu: Tea sandwiches, Guinness Bread, Beer Pretzels, Irish Deviled Eggs, Irish Bailey Chocolate Fudge, and an Irish Cheese platter.
Reading Is My Cardio Book Club of East Greenwich, Rhode Island
It's Lit!erature Book Club of Gilbert, Arizona
THE IDEA OF YOU by Robinne Lee (St. Martin's Press, 6/17)
The story of Solène Marchand, who begins an impassioned affair with a member of her daughter’s favorite boy band.
Reading Is My Cardio Book Club: "We are so grateful you chose us for this book! I can't believe we hadn't heard of it - it was a story everyone enjoyed which is rare in our group. It was perfect!
"The book was a great combination of smart and sexy and the story was one that we could all relate to as moms around Solène's age. Not that any of us are in anywhere near the same situation, but Solène's struggles as a woman of a certain age trying to balance everything and find happiness gave us a lot to talk about.
"There were so many interesting topics of discussion, including whether or not we would have made the same choices, from embarking on the affair to continuing it to the decision she makes at the end. And especially, how we relate to her trying to put herself first w
hile also worrying about the repercussions it had on her child and her work."
Menu: "Our version of a VIP afterparty with August Moon Mimosas (Prosecco, triple sec, pineapple juice, and blueberries) and desserts."
It's Lit!erature Book Club: "It was such a treat to travel along with Solène and imagine being at the different locations, as we have not traveled. Although we would prefer not to have throngs of fans surrounding us, imagining secluded beach getaways in the south of France and taking romantic strolls through the streets of Paris or Tokyo sound like the perfect escape right about now. The steamy scenes definitely added to the escapist feel of the novel. We also felt it would make an interesting movie, and it was fun to find the book title within the text itself."
Menu: "We met virtually but shared our drinks and snacks as well as discussed what foods we associated with this book. We all agreed that serving Scotch would be a must!"
The Revivals Book Club of Germantown, Wisconsin
THE THERAPIST by B.A. Paris (St. Martin's Press, 7/21)
B. A. Paris returns with a gripping novel of psychological suspense, a powerful tale of a house that holds a shocking secret.
"We all recommend this psychological suspense thriller! We are not new to B. A. Paris, having selected BEHIND CLOSED DOORS for our June 2018 discussion. Everyone raced through THE THERAPIST eager to solve the mysterious murder along with Alice. We knew Paris would lead us down twisted roads of deception and confusion, but surely we could figure out whodunit. False clues kept you guessing, and the ending will surprise you. This is a book where a second reading will reveal all the ways we choose incorrectly! B. A. Paris chooses her words carefully, artfully, and cleverly, sending the reader down dead-end paths and rabbit holes along with Alice.
Our host began her telling of a too-close-for-comfort real-life murder in a neighboring home. From her patio, we stared, mouths open at the home where a husband killed his wife during a violent argument. We asked our friend, how it was to live so close and in plain view of the location of a murder. How ironic that we choose her home to discuss this book even before reading it!
THE THERAPIST is an addictive thriller that I could not put down. Filled with secrets, relationship dramas, issues of trust, and one psychopath, this book will not disappoint with this escape read, perfect for summer!"
Menu: "Crackers, muffuletta, hummus, and nuts, a nod to appetizers at the cocktail party Alice held to meet the neighbors".
Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, North Wales Area Library Book Club, Pennsylvania, and Words with Friends of Boston, Massachusetts
MAN ENOUGH: Undefining My Masculinity by Justin Baldoni (HarperOne, 4/27/21)
Encouraging men to dig deep within themselves, actor and director Justin Baldoni helps us reimagine what it means to be man enough and, in the process, what it means to be human.
Book Club Girls of Sparta: “MAN ENOUGH is a wonderful, new take on being ok to just be yourself. We thought it would be a wonderful addition to high school and college curriculum, interwoven with themes of psychology, society's interpretations of what is gender appropriate, economic status and our social interactions”- We wouldn’t have chosen MAN ENOUGH, but we enjoyed reading it and the discussion that followed! We felt the book is suited to a younger audience—men and women but particularly college-age men. However, the book was a wonderful, new take on an old topic of being ok to just be yourself.
"Being 'enough' was a theme that was brought up in our discussion throughout the evening. The book centered around Justin's experiences growing up and now being a married man with his children, but we felt the message could apply to women and men equally. We found his last few chapters particularly endearing and connected you to his frame of mind and heart.
“The cover is outstanding, and we are now following Justin on social media and enjoying his pop-up visits to stores where he is delighting and surprising fans.
His writing and experience brought a fresh take to topics of self-understanding, empathy, finding inner peace, and striving to beat down the devil on all of our shoulders, who tells us we aren't enough. When we believe we are enough, we can begin to heal and help others by modeling this confident and brave, and peaceful forgiveness.”
Menu: “We thought spicy Thai food (Justin is extremely handsome) and a crisp beer (it's the drink that most people associate with a ‘man's drink, but we love it too) would pair with the book.”
North Wales Area Library Book Club: "Our group has discussed many books, and as the facilitator, I feel this was one of our best discussions. MAN ENOUGH took our readers out of their comfort zones Ten women and one man participated in the two-hour (and it could have lasted longer) discussion. We talked about the most meaningful chapters: Chapter 5,' Privileged Enough: The Reality of My Racism and White Male Privilege" was #1 with us. We discussed that the men in our lives had fewer friendships than Baldoni mentions. The younger members of the group identified more with his quest to accept himself, the older members were through that stage of their lives.
"A great deal of time was spent discussing body images and racism in its many forms. The book provided insight that we can apply to other situations. Members found themselves discussing various parts of the book with important men in their lives. The book provided good talking points. While members said it wasn't a book they would have chosen from the shelves all were glad they read it! Several participants had the audio version and thought Baldoni did a great job narrating his book."
Words with Friends: "We invited our husbands to read MAN ENOUGH and participate in our discussion, an important conversation about masculinity which we somehow have never had.
"Members completed surveys before the meeting based on topics Justin raised in the book. We began by reviewing the results. Questions included how likely are you to stop and ask for directions, to talk with friends about feelings and fears, the actors you most admired as a child, if you thought your children had a broader definition of masculinity than you did, at what age Justin's message would be most valuable, and to describe a man cave! We sorted men's and women's responses. These lead to a fascinating discussion about our responses, including generational shifts in thinking about masculinity, body image, gender equality childhood experiences, unwritten messages about masculinity, and more.
MAN ENOUGH is an insightful exploration of how masculinity is experienced and learned, and we appreciated Justin's honest approach to topics that are often uncomfortable."
Menu: "For dessert, one of Justin Baldoni’s favorite treats, Justin's Peanutbutter Cups."
The Revivals of Germantown, Wisconsin and the Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey
A SUMMER TO REMEMBER by Erika Montgomery (St. Martins’ Press, 5/21)
A romantic and timeless debut novel tinged with a love of old Hollywood.
Revivals: "A light read for our club that gravitates towards books with some insight based on truths or slanted toward historical fiction. We appreciate and are open books that take us away from our usual genre.
"Do the people or a house make a home? This theme runs throughout the book with each of the characters longing for or avoiding creating a home. While it was easy to dislike Mitch, was he the real villain in the book? Taking a closer look at Glory's choices and how she handled the path her life had taken, we asked ourselves if the villain was really so obvious? Montgomery has written a book that seems to be headed in one direction with an obvious climax, but then takes a hard turn in another unforeseen direction. The six main characters in the novel are not as they appear outwardly, hiding truths, creating deceptions, and keeping secrets. Long forgotten unopened letters are uncovered to take the reader on a journey to Cape Cod to deliver the letters to their intended, thirty years after they were written. As Midwestern readers at winter's end, we enjoyed a visit to the coast, even if it was only through the well-written pages of a good book.
Menu: "Stardust Margarita (highly recommend the author's recipe), hors d'oeuvres reminiscent of Glory and Mitch's first visit to Louise and Russ' home. Mushrooms Tartlets, New England Clam Chowder, Green salad with lemon vinaigrette, and fresh bakery bread. Champagne, and hand-crafted truffles."
Book Club Girls: "We all enjoyed this story! Many of our members connected to the characters in the book a few even collect movie stubs too!
"We think it makes for a fantastic beach read that brings together the themes of family, friendship, home, hard choices, and how secrets we keep have true consequences for not just ourselves but for those around us.
"We were drawn to the question of what does home mean to you? Is it a place or the people that you are with that define home? Overwhelmingly each of us defined home as the people you are with— your family your friends. We were the first book club to discuss Erika Montgomery's book with her via Zoom. She was easy to talk with and was genuine and gracious with answering our questions and joining our meeting."
Menu: "With the movie themes throughout the book popcorn is a definite snack choice!
Pittsburgh Chick Lit Book Club of Pennsylvania and The Afterthoughts Book Club of Woodlands, Texas
UNDER THE LIGHT OF THE ITALIAN MOON by Jennifer Anton (Amsterdam, 3/21)
Historical fiction inspired by a true story of love and women's resilience during the rise of fascism and Italy's collapse into World War II.
Pittsburgh Chick Lit: "An excellent match. We enjoy reading historical fiction, especially books that focus on women. UNDER THE LIGHT OF THE ITALIAN MOON provided us with an interesting story about life in an Italian village before and during World War II. We learned so much about the challenges faced by these women, not just from life itself as a woman in a small town, but also from living with separation from their husbands, dealing with a fascist government, and surviving a war-time occupation.
"Jennifer Anton joined our discussion via Zoom and we learned that she spent years talking to her American and Italian relatives in her research used to develop the storylines for the novel. It was fascinating to hear about her extensive research into life in the Italian village, Fonzaso, before and during World War II. She shared detail of her discussions with those who lived in the village under Nazi occupation and how they survived and thrived after World War II. It was particularly interesting to hear that one of the characters, Rita is based on a woman who is still alive today and continues to be the same happy, mischievous person that she is in the book. We also enjoyed learning about what was real, and what was fictionalized. We encouraged the author to continue the story in her next book."
The Afterthoughts: "A great match, and an excellent book. We enjoyed the characters and felt like we were in Italy with them We liked the historical elements as well as the storyline. We enjoyed the food at Nona's Italian along with the discussion and Italian Cream Cake.”
Friday Foodie Literati Book Club of Austin, Texas and Next Chapter of Los Altos, California
AMERICAN DAUGHTER by Stephanie Thornton Plymale (HarperOne, 1/21)
A memoir of a troubled mother-daughter relationship and a meditation on trauma, resilience, transcendence, and redemption.
Friday Foodie Literati: "AMERICAN DAUGHTER is a well-written memoir of a unique upbringing of a resilient daughter by a troubled mother. It's a mystery, in part, and well worth the read to find out why Mom's parenting skills were so lacking. The story reminds us all how lucky we are looking back at our own childhoods." We discussed empathy for her mother, that her mother's transient lovers provided support to Stephanie. One taught her to read and one listened and believed her story of abuse and that she stayed in touch with one of the boyfriends until his death"The events that transpired leading to Stephanie and her estranged mother finding each other again are truly amazing. This story is about how forgiveness can lead to healing. Her literary style gave way to an easy read for a very difficult subject."
Next Chapter Los Altos: "Stephanie joined our discussion via Zoom. She was generous with her time, so honest and vulnerable, and we had an amazing conversation—one we will all remember forever. Any book club would be lucky to have her!
Revivals of Germantown, Wisconsin and CLAMS (Corte Madera Literary And Munching Society) Corte Madera, California
HALF LIFE by Jillian Cantor (HarperPerennial, 2/24/2021)
A reimagining of Marie Curie's life using a parallel structure to create two alternative timelines.
Revivals: "We agreed that this is one of the best books we have ever read. This was a perfect match for our book club. Four out of five of us are directly or indirectly involved in the field of medicine. We are all women and we appreciated the female characters and the many layers of this book. At least one of us would like to meet the person who inspired Jillian Cantor's character, Pierre.
“There are many layers and themes for discussion. Rich in character development, the men's and women's storylines express the hardship faced by women in Russian-occupied Poland. Prevented from pursuing higher education and pressed to marry, left women who sought a different life than what was expected, difficult. We applauded Marie's father for encouraging his daughters to pursue their passions and his acceptance of their individuality. We are grateful to Marie Curie for her contributions to science and respectful of all she gave of herself to continue her scientific research. This book tells an important story of a two-time Nobel Prize-winning woman, her discoveries, losses, and acceptance of her personal choices made during her 
life's journey. We highly recommend this well-researched and excellently written book to book lovers of historical fiction, non-fiction, and life story readers.”
Menu: Yellow Beet Root and Kale Salad (yellow for the "yellow and gold and ethereal glow of the radium when Pierre takes Marie to the lab in the evening), Quiche and Paczki for dessert (the popular Fat Tuesday snack originating in Poland).
CLAMS: "HALF LIFE sparked a lively conversation on a variety of topics. We were intrigued by how the author took a known subject and created an alternate reality. Everyone liked the title's multiple meanings. We found it interesting that Marie’s character traits were perceived as determined and focused by some, yet were seen as cold and uncaring by others.
“Several years ago our group read a biography of Marie Curie, and many of us enjoy historical fiction as well as biographies, so this felt like the best of both worlds. This book fits with our interest in strong women in history.
"Discussion topics included women’s issues during the time that Marie Curie lived vs. the issues women face today; how women were overlooked, underpaid, and discriminated against due to their gender; women's' educational opportunities in Europe during Marie’s time; Marie’s role as a scientist, mother and Nobel Prize winner, and the conflict women face between mothering and career; the difficulty of life for a female scientist at that time."
Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri, Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey, Chicks With Books of New Milford, Connecticut, Two Points of Interest of Brooklyn, New YorkALL THE CHILDREN ARE HOME by Patry Francis (HarperPerennial, (3/17/2021)
A sweeping saga following a foster family through almost a decade of dazzling triumph and wrenching heartbreak.
Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri: "We enjoyed the character development and the depth of the story that had also humor and a bit of mystery. We agreed that it had been a while since we cared about the characters like this. Several of us said we would read the novel again. We were glad to see the foster family's success and the triumphs of them persevering over personal heartaches.“
Menu: “We recalled food from childhood: Franco American, Chips Ahoy, anise cookies, Nonna’s pies, and Dahlia’s special meals prepared for her kids for special occasions."
Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey: "A powerful, well-written, character-driven story of endurance, hope, love, bonds that tie a family together. We learned how the foster care system was run in the '50s and '60s. Several members were foster parents and shared their experiences. Some were also involved in counseling and working with agencies to help transition children from foster care to more permanent homes and how mental health services were so very needed for all involved. We note that the Moscatellis could have benefited from counseling and that the system today would never return a child to their biological parent so easily as we saw in this book, as we all wondered what became of Jon. A story about grit, love, resilience, bonds that we make with people who truly love us. We also saw the terrible stereotyping that the Moscatellis endured because they were perceived as being very poor and unstable—which in fact was really the opposite.
Menu: “In the spirit of the food in the book we'd serve Franco-American canned spaghetti and all of Nonna's fabulous Italian dishes!"
Chicks With Books of New Milford, Connecticut:"An engrossing story about the lives of the foster children raised by Louie and Dahlia Moscatelli in the 1960s. We liked each chapter's alternating points of view. We felt the Moscatellis formed a real family with their foster children, that Louie was the rock it was built on, and that there could have been more of him in the book. Our favorite character however was Nonna! We pictured a doting old-time Italian grandmother cooking, cleaning, and spoiling the entire family. We discussed the title and concluded once the children were Moscatellis in spirit if not in name, they had found the home where they belonged and the love they found there meant that no matter what they faced in the future they would be okay."
Two Points of Interest Book Club of Brooklyn, New York
"This isn't a book we would normally pick but, we loved it. The book was an endearing read with a lot of heartfelt moments. I enjoyed seeing the children grow up and try to find their own paths. I felt like the book was a bit incomplete in the end and I am hoping that the author plans to continue the story with happens to them in the later years. We are excited to read other books by the author."
Menu: "We ate childhood favorites with a new spin.
Cork & Olive Book Club of Valrico, Florida Book Club and Kings Chapel Book Club of Arrington, Tennessee
THIS CLOSE TO OKAY by Leesa Cross-Smith (Grand Central, 2/21)
From the award-winning writer Roxane Gay calls "a consummate storyteller," a cathartic novel about the life-changing weekend shared between two strangers.
Cork & Olive Book Club of Valrico, Florida Book Club: "We all loved THIS CLOSE TO OKAY! I received texts throughout the month as each member finished to tell me they loved the story. I was pulled into the story right away and the tension of not knowing what was going to happen between Tallie and Emmet kept me engaged throughout. The story grabs you at the beginning with Tallie Clark, on her way home, seeing a man standing on the bridge in the pouring rain.
We discussed the relationships of all the characters. It was difficult to dislike any of them, even Tallie's ex-husband by the end of the book—that surprised us! We also discussed whether it was okay for Emmet to send those emails to Tallie's ex. Some were angry that he violated her confidence and some believe that what he did actually helped her to heal. We felt it was a book about healing and helping each other cope.
The story has a good pace, deep characters, and is a very timely read!"
Menu: "While we didn't meet to enjoy food together, we discussed the food in the book! There were a lot of great food opportunities had we met in person! The description of her house makes you want to stay there and talk to her over a cup of tea. Or a glass of wine."
Kings Chapel Book Club: “A very good match! One member says this novel is her top ten of all time, and she reads a lot of books! A few members might not have picked this up to read if we had not received it from GalleyMatch. I like getting them out of their comfort zones!"There were lots of talking points this character-driven novel brought up, especially about mental health. We discussed the idea that women seem to be more inclined to get professional help where men don't. It brought up a lot of tough questions. Lots of things to unpack here! A compelling page-turner.
Hot Flashers of Antioch, California and Teachers Who Read of Plain City, Ohio
THE HISTORIANS by Cecilia Ekbäck (HarperPerennial, 1/21)
A riveting tale of murder and conspiracy in Sweden during World War II.
Teachers Who Read: "A perfect match for our book club! We love historical fiction and THE HISTORIANS took place in Sweden a new location and new viewpoint (since it was a neutral country) during World War II. We enjoyed this book very much - Many of us couldn't put it down once we started. We liked that it's a historical fiction book but we felt like this book was a thriller —in a great way! None of us predicted how the story unfolded and we enjoyed the ride it took us on. We liked the dual stories of Stockholm and Blackensen Mountain. We found the group of students that studied together fascinating, especially how they grew and changed but still always had a connection. We found the project being worked on in the story (no spoilers) unfathomable and couldn't believe how wide the network seemed to be. We liked learning about the Sami culture (indigenous people living in northern Sweden)."
Hot Flashers: "We enjoyed the murder mystery nature of this historical fiction novel and enjoyed learning about Sweden and its neighboring countries' actions and attitudes during World War II. The title was spot on for a novel that dealt with a group of friends meeting in a history class who grappled with the concept of rewriting history through actions like eugenics or keeping actions secret."
"We all learned about the Scandinavian countries positions and relationships during the war, which was new to all of us. We also had no idea of the eugenics programs and the concept of a Scandinavian Reich, and were shocked to learn the State Institute for Racial Biology forced sterilization in Sweden until 2013. We made comparisons to what happened in America. Sami second class status was also new, but the novel was so engrossing we learned new things without feeling “taught to”. Made comparisons to native peoples here and just about everywhere. Overall the characters and their relationships were well fleshed out and believable, and we loved how the book began and ended with Javanna and the realization that took place between January and June of 1943. We wish we knew whether Kristina was really a spy/swallow. We were fine not knowing who did the cleanup killings at the end."
North Wales Area Library Evening Book Club, North Wales, Pennsylvania,
WE COULD BE HEROES by Mike Chen, (HTP Books, 1/21)
An emotional adventure about two misfits who have extraordinary powers, but have forgotten who they were. The vigilante and the villain must team up to stop a mad scientist who threatens the city while trying to figure out who they really are.
"A perfect selection for our group. The genre, SciFi/fantasy stretched the group to read a title they would not have chosen."The author joined our meeting by Zoom and his input made the discussion better! Mike shared information about why the cover was chosen, what from the book is his experience —he loves coffee and has a cat. He spoke about the theme of friendship and why that was important to him, and about his career and other books. We discussed the plot, characters, setting, the pace of the action. Several members plan to share the book with young adults in their lives. Only one member regularly reads this genre but all agreed they were glad they read the book. We agreed that this book could easily become a film. We had fun casting it! The theme of friendship was universally chosen as important, especially in today's world."
Sister of Seraph of Homewood, Illinois
MEDIOCRE: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America (Seal Press, 12/20)
"MEDIOCRE was a pleasure to read. We appreciated the author's writing ability, knowledge of the subject matter, the insight she provided, and the thoroughness of her research.
"We were blown away by the author's knowledge and insight regarding events throughout this country's history starting with the white man's expansion into the western part of the United States, which included the treacherous deeds exacted by the Mormons and others to the contributions of many stellar women of color, such as Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American to run for president to the protests by students and athletes of color and their impact."
KC Book Club of Kansas City, Missouri
THE TRANSATLANTIC BOOK CLUB by Felicity Hayes-McCoy (HarperPerennial, 11/20)
An enchanting, cozy new novel, perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, about residents of Ireland's Finfarran Peninsula who set up a Skype book club with the little US town of Resolve, where generations of Finfarran's emigrants have settled.
"Our members enjoyed getting to know Felicity Hayes McCoy, who joined our meeting by Zoom from Ireland, and discussed how she comes up with characters, locations, and plots.
"We loved how the fictional characters were like people we have all known in real life. Favorite characters included Brad—who's just SO perfect; he's great looking, rich, and NICE—, Jack, Hannah and Fury, and his sidekick Divil. We agreed Mary was the most annoying. Gobnit needed some old-fashioned discipline, and her mother Darina was a hot mess.
"Member Carrie commented that she could see the townsfolk in Finfarran transplanted to a small town somewhere in the South in the United States—they would need different (Southern) accents and be authentic. Member Yvonne mentioned that Pat is much more self-aware than Mary, but they have a long-standing friendship and accept each other despite wanting to scream at each other sometimes—true friendship. We think Felicity should create and share a map for her fictional county of Finfarran on the west coast of Ireland."
Menu: We toasted Felicity on her publication day over Zoom!
Mountain Meadows Book Club of Renton, Washington and Revivals Book Club of Germantown Wisconsin
BLUE SKY KINGDOM by Bruce Kirkby (Pegasus, 10/20)
A portrait of a family letting go of the known world to encounter an unfamiliar one filled with rich possibilities and new understandings—and a father's journey to experience the world as his neuro-diverse son experiences it.
Mountain Meadows Book Club: “BLUE SKY KINGDOM is so much more than a travelogue, and miles beyond any 'How We Found Ourselves' story. We were transported to a buried place in our souls as we journeyed with Bruce Kirkby and his family to a Himalayan Buddhist temple. Addicted to scrolling the social media wasteland and drained from their older son's autism spectrum diagnosis and treatment, Bruce and his wife Christine revive their sidelined 'fantasy' of making the journey with their two children to 1000-year-old Karsha Gompa in Zanskar, India. The 3-month trip involved traveling by container ship, train, canoe, and miles of high-altitude trekking.
“Adopted by Lama Wangyal, he gives the family Tibetan names, an honor, but also necessary for communication. The Kirkbys become English teachers to the young monks living at the monastery as the kids disconnected from the tether of technology and connected with life in a natural way. Our hearts were lifted following along as Bodi used meditation to control anxiety caused by noise, people, and changing routines We were fascinated by how Tibetan Buddhism is still practiced in its undiluted form, and about the Dalai Lama, India, Chinese territorial claims over Tibet examples of prejudice against Tibetans in India.
“We wondered how the family would fare but were uplifted by the tale of their return less beholden to technology and much closer to one another. We discussed finding peace by distancing from the modern world’s constant clatter and aiming for higher awareness, and restoring ‘permanently fractured awareness’. One review called the book ‘soul-refreshing reading’: we couldn’t agree more. Linda was the first to declare the book fabulous, and we all jumped on board immediately.”
Menu: Tibetan Thukpav (chicken noodle soup), Rice Pudding with apple, honey
Revivals Book Club "We encourage book lovers to dive into this book, even if you think the topic is out of your usual genre. We enjoy books that introduce us to unfamiliar topics and encourage further exploration, and BLUE SKY KINGDOM accomplishes both.
“Through meditation, exploration, and a desire to disconnect with the digital world, Bruce finds himself and a connection to Bodi, his autistic son, that would not have been found in Canada muddied by daily routines and demands. Given the family's openness to adventure on a scale not commonly sought out, it's no surprise they didn't just settle for a commitment to unplug at home for 10 days in order to be more physically present in each other lives.. Bruce surprised us by his poetic writings and descriptive observations. His deep internal connection to the natural world and human nature comes through in his writing.
“Would we attempt such a journey with or without two young children in tow? Was it risky to attempt such a journey and would the rewards outweigh the risks? We think the Kirkbys made the right choice for their family. Bodi and Bruce especially reaped the rich rewards as they formed a deeper bond leaving habits and routines at home. Both flourished and grew in the freedoms offered under the 'Blue Sky.’
“If self-exploration and rugged discovery aren't appealing enough, readers will find a rich introduction to the Buddhist Karsha Gompa Monastery and all it affords to residents, rituals, and daily life. Our meeting included reading aloud memorable passages on a wonderful sunny blue sky day."
Menu: “Eating off the land: egg strata with red peppers and Kale, similar to omelets in the book, fresh fruit Apple Squares, Birthday Cake, which fit well with Christine's birthday cake. Flowers were gifts in lieu of the market earrings Bodi haggled to purchase for Christine. Jullay Jullay!"
Pittsburgh Chick Lit Book Club
TSARINA by Ellen Alpsten(St. Martin's Press, 11/20)
A rich, sweeping first-person narrative is the story of Catherine Alexeyevna's rise to power to become the first woman to rule Russia in her own right.
"Many members thought that the book was one of the best books that we've read! TSARINA was a perfect historical fiction match for our club. We were honored to preview the book and have an informative video chat with the author, who provided us with insights about the book and the writing process.
"Ellen Alpsten transported us to Russia in the time of Peter the Great. Her vivid descriptions and historical accuracy gave us an in-depth understanding of the life of Catherine, from her humble beginnings to her crowning as 'Tsarina' after the death of Peter. While some of the descriptions of torture were brutal, they provided a realistic picture of the fragile nature of life at that time. We felt the loss of each of Catherine's children and her bravery in trying to birth the son that Peter so desperately wanted as his heir. Catherine embodied the strength that we see in so many powerful women today. She never doubted that she could survive and thrive.
"Ellen’s passion for Catherine came through in her writing and in her description of her intensive research for the book. We were astonished when she told us that she didn’t visit St. Petersburg until she finished writing TSARINA. Her descriptions of Russia during the time of Peter seemed so realistic, we assumed she must have lived or visited frequently. We were delighted to learn Ellen currently editing the sequel to TSARINA, and look forward to reading it!"
Jane Austen Book Club of Lexington, Kentucky
THE WIFE UPSTAIRS by Rachel Hawkins (1/21, St. Martin's Press)
A delicious twist on a Gothic classic that pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense.
"THE WIFE UPSTAIRS gets the Jane Austen Book Club’s Seal of Approval! Not surprising, since a few of the members had been gushing non-stop about their favorite parts and how they couldn’t put this book down!
"THE WIFE UPSTAIRS allowed us to take a new look at an old favorite— we all are JANE EYRE fans! We compared and contrasted the original story to the update, discussing the difference between the emphasis of morality and virtue in Victorian literature versus modern literature and the drive for self, orphanages of the Victorian era compared to the modern-day foster system.
"The novel takes the story of Jane Eyre and transports it from the moors of Victorian England to an exclusive suburb in modern-day Alabama. Our main players are Jane, the plain orphan who has aged out of the foster system and is trying to hide from her past while walking dogs for the rich and elite. Next is Eddie, the handsome, wealthy outside to the neighborhood who seems to have moved on rather quickly after his wife’s “disappearance”. And then there’s Bea, Eddie’s mysterious wife that people just can’t stop talking about, even after her she went missing during a random midnight boating accident.
"This book is great for fans of BIG LITTLE LIES, as well as a great thriller to read curled up at night! From comparing this book to its source material all the way to the nature of the characters themselves, there is something for everyone to keep you on the edge of your seats!"
Menu: Spaghetti Neapolitan, whose origins and backstory are just as deceptive and mysterious as our main characters!Bloody Wake-up Call mocktail: orange and lemon juices, seltzer water, and grenadine —in ominous glassware.
Beth El Synagogue Book Club of Omaha, Nebraska
THE EDUCATION OF DELHOMME: CHOPIN, SAND, & LA FRANCE
Nancy Burkhalter (History Through Fiction, 11/2020)
Chopin’s piano tuner, hungry for money, is lured into a royal spy ring but later condemned for treason by Napoleon III during the 1848 Paris Uprising
"Everyone expressed their pleasure with this book and our group delighted to talk with the author. We appreciate historical fiction done well, with adequate research and a literary bent. New perspectives are always welcome and we tend to look beyond the book for a bit more information. Most of us listened to specific Chopin pieces mentioned in the novel. For book clubs, this can lead to a discussion of musical influence, universal themes of freedom, women's rights, strong women.
"It was a bonus having the author join us virtually for the discussion. She explained her background in coming to write this novel, her use of style, her sense of musical knowledge, and the historical aspects of the novel. She was very personable, accessible to questions and comments, and added to our discussion."
Fab Five Book Club of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Reading Between The Wines Book Club of Kure Beach, North Carolina
ESTELLE by Linda Stewart Henley (8/20, She Writes Press)
From 1872 to ’73, renowned artist Edgar Degas called New Orleans home. Here, the narratives of two women—Estelle, his Creole cousin and sister-in-law, and Anne Gautier, who in 1970 finds a journal written by a relative who knew Degas—intersect, and a painting by Degas of Estelle spells trouble.
Fab Five Book Club:
"ESTELLE has many of the qualities we look for in a novel: morsels that kept us guessing, romance, family drama, societal inequities, and family relationships. We discussed the ease with which the author intertwined two stories told a century apart: the story of Edgar Degas in New Orleans and that of Anne Gautier in 1970. We compared similarities between characters from the 1872-73 time period and modern times. Estelle was a favorite character, and we grew to love and admire her for her family commitment and qualities. The family genealogy charts in the front of the book, Degas' painting of Estelle while he was in New Orleans, and the epilogue and afterword were helpful additions. We all agreed the writing transported us to the era when Degas would have been visiting family in New Orleans: the sights, sounds, colors, and way of life. ESTELLE sparks an interest in learning more about Degas his works. The novel has mystery too, and we talked about that and how we kept "guessing" about characters and how things would end.
Dearborn Park/Hills Book Club of Dearborn, MichiganA celebrated singer in World War II occupied France joins the Resistance to save her estranged family from being killed in a German prison."We’ve read other books about World War II but none that looked at the war from the perspective of the resistance movement We were glad we read it and we thought it was a page-turner (especially the second half). The details the author provided gave us a good feel for the time and the place. The book reads very fluidly. It was difficult emotionally for some to read the parts about graphic torture and suicide, but, we appreciated that the book was realistic. This was paramount. This book would make a great movie!
"We really enjoyed reading a book by an author we weren’t familiar with. We met in a local park so that we could spend time outdoors and practice social distancing."
Sensational Seven Book Club of Appleton, WisconsinThe story of thirteen-year-old German immigrant Pia Lange, struggling to hold her family together in Philadelphia during the deadly Spanish flu pandemic of 1918.
“Our members love historical fiction, particularly when the main character is a woman, and this book hit the mark! A perfect match! Our group was so fortunate that the author joined us on a Zoom call. It was a special evening. Ellen was thoughtful, informative and it was so lovely that she shared her time with us.
"The pandemic, the Spanish flu of 1918 in Philadelphia, is the book's main theme, and another theme was - two relatable themes today. When the author wrote the book she did not have any idea of the current pandemic, and we discussed how we all felt so fortunate that we are living through this now about what had occurred in 1918. The main character and her family are German immigrants and they were treated so poorly by many Americans during the time the story took place. again, we had a great discussion about how immigrants are treated in today’s world and how far we have come, yet still have so far to go. We commented that we would love to find out what happens after the story ends in the life of the beloved, main character, Pia. Bravo to Ellen Marie Wiseman on another winner!
Menu: "One member made delicious pogacas, Turkish pastries mentioned in the novel that are stuffed with olives, cheese, for meat. We had whiskey cupcakes—whiskey was present throughout the book as many people drank it in the hopes of a cure from the Spanish flu and they also used it as a healing rub, again hoping for a cure."
Flagstaff Ladies Book Club of Flagstaff, Arizona and Girls Clubhouse Book Club of Auburn, CaliforniaTHE FIXED STARS by Molly Wizenberg (Abrams, 8/4/20)
Memoirist Molly Wizenberg's taut, electrifying memoir exploring timely and timeless questions about desire, identity, and the limits and possibilities of family.
Flagstaff Ladies Book Club
“A great book club book! THE FIXED STARS is a readable, well-written memoir that explores the 'fixed' views the author had about her sexuality and life trajectory. Everyone enjoyed THE FIXED STARS! We had a lively discussion about gender issues, sexuality, marriage and relationships, parenting...all topics we talk about all the time. The book brings up interesting questions about how people perceive gender, 'settle' into their lives, and sometimes change in ways that don't work into their life plans.
"As a reader who is older than the author, with kids who find the gender fluidity of their friends normal, I found the memoir thought-provoking and a great book to discuss with others. Wizenberg's description of falling in love with her husband and having a child is important to understanding how then being attracted to women would be confusing and unexpected.
"On the surface, the story of how she met a woman during jury duty and eventually decided to open her marriage and then divorce could sound somewhat unbelievable, and the author explains how she had the same thoughts. Having written two books about her life and marriage and having a child, how can she explain having different attractions as a 'fully-formed' adult? Isn't sexual preference innate? How Molly Wizenberg answers these questions with her own experiences, therapy, and the studies she quotes makes this book worth the read. We also found it fascinating that she had written a few books about her marriage and restaurants, which she seemed to be extricating herself from in this book. We discussed how marriage is hard, and that may be transitioning to a partner of a different sex from her spouse made the split easier to explain to herself than breaking up.”
Girls Clubhouse Book Club
"Everyone enjoyed THE FIXED STARS. It felt like the author's journal written in a consumable way for readers to understand her innermost feelings and struggles. The writing style was fluid, with quotes to emphasize Molly’s points. It tested conventions, was intimate and gave perspective."
“'When you pick a partner, you pick a story.' This came up in our discussion. One member was really taken aback by Molly’s relationship with Nora—how unhealthy and confining it seemed. But she also wasn’t having a healthy relationship with her husband—she needed and wanted more. We all felt that Molly’s choice to use 'she' for Ash until she asked and then used 'they' was A good way to show her growth."
Menu: Since Molly owned a bar, we thought a local brewery drink would be fitting.
CLAMS of Corte Madera Book Club of Corte Madera, CaliforniaHistorical fiction set at the 1939 New York World’s Fair about two bold women discovering themselves during a glorious summer of spectacle and potential.
Being immersed in the 1939 World’s Fair was a perfect escape! We had a lively discussion of this compelling story. A member felt like she took a vacation! Another noted the book promoted a feeling of optimism, and others said the World’s Fair brings hope to the world and brings people together. The characters were optimistic about the future even though they had challenges to overcome."We enjoyed hearing about family members' experiences at the World's Fairs. One member's husband attended the 1939 New York World’s Fair when he was ten years old, and he shared memories of the Aquacade and showed her places he visited on the map included in the book. Another member's father played a trumpet solo at the 1939 San Francisco World’s Fair. One member commented that the fair descriptions were so vivid, she felt she could draw a map of the area, the buildings, the exhibits, the amusement zone. Schnall certainly did her research about the Fair and the period.
"We discussed whether we were more like the character Vivi or Max! The book inspired lots of conversations about our personalities —controlling and aggressive vs. passive and letting things happen. We also discussed how women were treated in the workplace during this era, and the challenges they faced, compared to today."
Get Woke Book Club of New Prague, Minnesotaby Casper ter Kuile (HarperOne, 6/23/2020)
The co-host of the award-winning podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text shows how everyday practices—yoga, walking the dog, book club—can heal our crisis of isolation and our hunger for meaning.
"We observed the worldwide reaction to the pandemic through Kuile's suggestions: we watched a world recreate itself and make meaning of 'ordinary' experiences. In mid-March, schools closed and citizens sheltered at home due to the Pandemic, and THE POWER OF RITUAL galleys arrived. The intersection of these two events was auspicious. The world transformed overnight. We had to create a ‘new normal’ and find meaning in the daily activities still available to us. Along came Casper Kuile.
Kuile describes ways to find meaning and ritual in ordinary practices. Everyday activities such as reading, exercising, eating, walking a dog, dancing, creating art are activities that can have intention. We observed the worldwide reaction to the pandemic through Kuile's suggestions: we watched a world recreate itself and make meaning of 'ordinary' experiences. Families cooking together teachers connecting with supporting students, neighbors walking local pathways. Life slowed and people paid attention and reconnected with nature. It seems that the world is ready to understand and practice Kuile’s suggestion 'to rethink what it means for something to be sacred.'
We met on member Betsy’s front lawn on a beautiful summer day, Betsy’s daughter began leading a yoga practice. Afterward, members made beaded bracelets to use for future prayer, blessings, or meditation.
We all identified common practices and discussed ways to deepen their meaning. Kuile stresses that consistency, intention, and awareness are necessary for attaining the level of soulful practice. Member Paulette gave a mediation on nature as ritual and reflection. She and her husband are making an intention to notice the natural world during their walks. She shared stalks of horsetail, an exotic plant that she described as a 'living fossil', over 280 million years old, and sorrel for us to taste, a symbol of lasting friendship, along with sauteed morel mushrooms. Morels don't appear each year, and she emphasized that where you find age and decay, deliciousness is also present.
Kuile describes book clubs as sacred activities, stressing that it's our reflection on the text rather than the reading that makes the activity sacred. We must discuss how the book speaks to our experiences and to identify actions that its themes might suggest. Books are a touchstone to define our current situations and help us to improve our daily interactions. Our book club has created the type of community that Kuile describes. The book affirmed emotions our members have felt since our first few meetings. We experience reading as '. . . a path to greater awareness. To courage and commitment.'"
Mountain Meadows Book Club of Renton, WashingtonA gorgeous and evocative historical novel about a Japanese-American family set against the backdrop of Hawai’i's sugar plantations.
"THE COLOR OF AIR is the latest book to wind up on the Mountain Meadows Book Club 'Favorites' list. Linda was very happy we were chosen for the book as Gail Tsukiyama is one of her favorite authors, having read several of her books. Some of the descriptive terms that were used during our Zoom discussion of this wonderful book were lyrical, enchanting, and lovely. We felt the book was all these things and a masterfully woven story.
"A welcome panacea to the times we are living in is how our book club describes reading this story of Daniel Abe, a successful doctor in Chicago, as he returns home to Hilo two years after his mother Mariko’s death. A secret has driven Daniel home, though, and we are enchanted by the story Tsukiyama weaves switching between 'ghost voices' and 'island voices' as the prodigal son and his long-ago community are united again.
"A powerful story of love and pain told so gently through the eyes of Daniel, Koji, Mariko, and Nori, we felt as though we were there, in the lush and abundant fields of Hilo, sharing in the lives of the characters and becoming part of the community. Hoping with each turn of the page that the forces of nature will not destroy their homes and livelihoods and wondering if secrets held so tightly will ever be revealed.
Thanks to #BookClubCookBook and #GalleyMatch for the opportunity to read this book!
Menu: We Zoomed, but I made a composed salad using fresh fruits and mango.
Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey
LET THEM EAT PANCAKES: One Man's Personal Revolution in the City of Light by Craig Carlson (Pegasus, 7/20)
A second helping of tales on the joys and challenges of working, eating, and loving in France from the author of PANCAKES IN PARIS.
"We enjoyed our Zoom discussion with Craig Carlson. Craig spoke with such humility and passion for his experiences and his book that you instantly felt a connection to him. We asked questions about his writing, the restaurant, and about the more intimate revelations in the book. He was just so relatable, we fell in love with Craig instantly."
"We learned it is not always easy to open a business in Paris, with different employee regulations and rules. He is a great example of someone overcoming early life adversities and making their dream happen as he did in opening a restaurant in Paris.
"Each member spoke highly about the book. Several of us bought his first book, PANCAKES IN PARIS so that we can read more about his adventures in Paris."
Jane Austen Book Club of Lexington, KentuckyTHE BOOK OF SECOND CHANCES by Katherine Slee (Forever, 5/20)
Wine and Book Babes
"We loved it! This story caught us right off and we enjoyed it until the end."We really enjoyed the story—it took us on an adventure, and also journeyed through grief and regret and then finally came to terms with making a happy future for Emily."We enjoyed the flashbacks into Catriona's younger life and her choices for a life of independence and career. Our members are in their mid-50s to mid-60s so we could all reflect with Cat regarding her past.
"We thought the title was two-fold: an opportunity for Cat to take Emily on a physical and emotional journey whereby she could let Emily see how raising Emily was the second chance in many ways for herself. Second, the journey allows Emily to realize that she can give herself a second chance at life in spite of the tragedy she has experienced. We thought it was a great first book by this author, and wish her the best of luck!"
Mom and I Book Club
"This was our favorite GalleyMatch book We didn’t get to see each other to discuss the book but we felt closer since we could both read the same book together. The way the characters changed throughout the story, their relationships with each other, safety vs. overprotection, the love interests of the characters, and the journey each woman made. I try not to judge a book by its cover but I felt like I was going to enjoy this book when I saw it. The cover is beautiful and the description sounded right up my alley. I’d say my initial reaction about that was right. Among the discussion topics: how we never really know our parents or grandparents as well as we think. They lived a lot of life before we came along. This is definitely the story of a journey, not a destination. With each step she takes, Emily has to challenge her own comfort levels. She has to go further from home, she has to talk to strangers, and she has to speak more than she has in years. In the process, she learns about the people and experiences that made her grandmother who she was."
Jane Austen Book Club
"We read this from start to finish in record speed!. 5 out of 5 Red Velvet birthday cakes for THE BOOK OF SECOND CHANCES! We enjoyed this book so much! Several members commented this is the perfect book to read during our current situation, while one declared this was her new favorite." "This is the story of Emily, a sheltered young girl with a damaged past who is sent out in the world on a scavenger hunt by her recently deceased grandmother, an acclaimed children’s book author, to find the hidden clues to her final book! Once Emily received her first clue, we all found ourselves invested in her journey, rooting for Emily to overcome her past and remember what was hidden! Members found ourselves talking about not only this book, but whether we would have the courage to go on such a journey, favorite children’s books, children’s reactions to the goals set for them by parents, and of course...Paris! We cannot recommend this book enough!"
Menu: "We all had our own ideas as to what drinks and nibbles would pair well with our book! Red wine, a gin & tonic as a 
tribute to our characters being from England, whiskey on the rocks— Emily’s preferred drink, a charcuterie plate from our resident Francophile, and a red velvet cake from a nearby bakery and a glass of chilled Prosecco, since our heroine always celebrates her birthday with red velvet cake and champagne."
East Lawrence High School Book Club of Trinity, Alabama
ALICE BY HEART by Steven Sater (Penguin Teen, 5/20)
A young girl takes refuge in a London Tube station during WWII and confronts grief, loss, and first love with the help of her favorite book, Alice in Wonderland, in the debut novel from Tony Award-winning playwright Steven Sater.
“Thank you so much for this most perfect book to read during our quarantine!!! One of the main characters was in quarantine! How timely a book for us to read right now.”
"The students thought I could tell the future because we received the book right before COVID 19 hit! We discussed the similarities between tuberculosis and COVID 19. The book also provided some bibliotherapy for our students and teachers. The characters had it so much worse in their situation, being quarantined during World War II, which shed light on how much easier our quarantine is in 2020. I mean...we aren't getting bombed like the book's characters were!
"The students loved the references to ALICE IN WONDERLAND. I enjoyed the poetic language the author used as well as the challenging vocabulary. I think it's a perfect book for someone to use when teaching about World War II. Historical fiction has been our students' favorite for the past two years."
Menu: "The only food mentioned was SPAM, cans of tomatoes, and tea. We totally would have had some form of that if we had met in person. Since we met online, I posted pictures of the food/drink on Padlet for our club so we could pretend together!"
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/HNx_7d0ypmE
K3 Book Club of Centennial, Colorado,
WEIRD BUT NORMAL: Essays by Mia Mercado (HarperOne 5/20)
Contributor to The New Yorker's Daily Shouts, New York Times, and McSweeney's, Mia Mercado's humorous essay collection exploring the absurd and yet very regular parts of being a millennial woman navigating racial identity, gender roles, workplace dynamics, and beauty standards.
"It was cringeworthy, hilarious, relatable, and timely. It arrived on our doorsteps at the perfect time during this Covid lockdown. Thank you for a perfect match! WEIRD BUT NORMAL is a series of stories about life in your late 20s/early 30s, which we all are. This book was nostalgic. We talked about growing up in the 90s/00s, AIM screen names, the importance of taking care of your mental health, internal monologues that resemble Judge Judy—which made us laugh out loud, especially since we are all lawyers— and the dangerousness of walking into Target without a list. This book facilitates discussions about everyday life."
Chapel Creek Book Club of Frisco, Texas
LOST BOY FOUND by Kirsten Alexander (Grand Central Publishing, 3/20)
A Southern historical novel based on the true story of a boy’s mysterious disappearance examines despair, loyalty, and the nature of truth
"We had such a fun book club night with LOST BOY FOUND. Due to social distancing, we had both an outdoor socially distanced book club in a member's driveway and a Zoom meeting for those at home. We are fans of Alexander's writing and character development. Members enjoyed the historical fiction aspect and learning about the true story behind the novel. We also learned a lot about the early 1900s in the deep South, and discussed the racial and class issues during that time."
Chapel Fab Five Book Club of Appleton, Wisconsin
THE PELTON PAPERS by Mari Coates (She Writes Press, 4/20)
A novel based on the life of artist Agnes Pelton (1881-1961), from her shrouded Brooklyn childhood and the devastating consequences of a family scandal to Agnes’s secret passion for another woman and early success in the Armory Show of 1913, and subsequent retreat to a contemplative life in the California desert, and, ultimately, the flowering of her deeply spiritual art.
"We enjoyed 'traveling' to Europe, New York, and places out west with Agnes and the writing transported us to and conjured up images of those places."e enjoy historical fiction and had never heard about Agnes Pelton. While reading we enjoyed researching her art. Agnes was 'born before her time,' and her vision of art was progressive, apparently related to her fondness of the famous artist, Kandinsky. She, like Kandinsky, was a good painter of people and 'the real.' But she was also more alive when she used her talent for the abstract. She realized though, that to make a living, she needed to give people what they wanted.
"We discussed the four major events Agnes was witness to during the 20th century, and how events did not seem to affect her greatly. The Armory Show of 1913 was of great interest to us, especially learning that this was a time when Americans were exposed to European Contemporary art.
"She was a woman of regrets, yet she led a colorful life, filled with many adventures related to her pursuit of art. Yet, we viewed her a sad and unable to find a lasting, loving relationship. For Agnes, there are moments of darkness in life, and moments of great radiance."
Book Buddies Book Club of Carrollton Texas and
It’s Lit!(erature) Book Club of Gilbert, Arizona
HANNAH'S WAR by Jan Eliasberg (Little Brown 3/20)
Set during World War II, a brilliant female scientist works on splitting the atom and falls into a game of cat-and-mouse with a man sent to find the mole in the lab where she's working.
Book Buddies: "What an epic novel for such an epic time in our history: History, Suspense, Love Story=Fabulous Read! Five Atomic Stars! Jan Eliasberg’s expert director’s eye creates a vision of intrigue and deception laced with lies; while covering the 'blackboard of suspense' with the perfect equations for love to unfold and trust to develop. Is the love and trust merited, or is it all a masquerade? Readers will be trapped in the author's net until the last telegram is delivered. One member's mother-in-law is from Germany, so she had personal insights into the early relationship between Hannah and her mother after her father died and her mother remarried. Our club has also discussed THE QUEENS OF ANIMATION, THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM recently, and all three books have highlighted the amazing accomplishments of brilliant women and the struggles involved with being excluded from discussions, processes,
and lack or recognition. Many were even erased from history completely."
"I designed these postcards as bookmarks: The Mountain Blue Swallowtail (pp.196-97). I loved the imagery and quote: 'I admire that about the mountain blue, keeping her beauty hidden, not showing off or wasting herself on the rabble.'"
Menu: We met by Zoom, but several members prepared a Raspberry Custard Kuchen, referenced in novel.
It’s Lit!(erature): "This was a good match in terms of genre and topics. There there were many topics we wished were explored more. We also would be interested in learning more about Sabine's story after she left Germany.We thought this could be a good mini-series!"
Menu: We were not able to have our usual food and drinks sharing, but we would have served Manhattans, pie, chocolate cake, and stuffed mushrooms (referring to the mushroom cloud of the bomb).
Lectio Matris of Hayden, Idaho:
THE LAST BLUE by Isla Morley (Pegasus, 5/20)
A luminous narrative inspired by the fascinating real case of "the Blue People of Kentucky" that probes questions of identity, love, and family.
"THE LAST BLUE was a captivating, emotional, touching love story, that was hard to put down. We enjoy historical fiction and learning about new topics. We enjoyed how the author switched back and forth telling the story from the perspective of both main characters from very different backgrounds. We were kept in suspense throughout. I actually stopped reading 40 pages from the end because I was afraid of how the book might end, but the final twist made me love it even more. We loved both of the main characters and those who supported them in their love. It was a beautifully written book that made us want to look for other books that the author has written."
Reading Between the Wines Book Club of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NIGHT THEATER by Vikram Paralkar (Catapult, 1/20)
A surgeon must bring a dead family back to life in this fabulist debut novel set in rural India, which examines power, corruption, and ethics.
"Best book club yet! We enjoyed being pushed out of our comfort zones! We were fortunate to meet the author at a local bookstore and he joined our book club discussion via Skype, which added to our appreciation! We discussed the medical field, which was interesting given the corona virus happening now. and what medical professionals face in the face of exhaustion and being overworked. Also, magic realism—we likened it to Paolo Coelho's books on morality. We really enjoyed ourselves. Vikram is very personable and our discussion was wonderful."
Menu: Apothic red wine, a dark red that gave spooky vibes.
Get Woke Book Club of New Prague, Minnesota
THE BOOK OF ROSY: A Mother's Story of Separation at the Border by Rosayra Pablo Cruz and Julie Schwietert Collazo (HarperOne 6/20)
A searing tale of the human lives behind the immigration crisis, written by two remarkable mothers—a Central American woman whose children were taken from her by the United States government at the southern border, and the American who helped reunite the family—and offers a timely and urgent look at a migrant experience, family separation and reunification, and the power of individuals banding together to overcome even the cruelest and most unjust circumstances.
"For anyone concerned about the migration situation and the status of conditions at our borders, this book is a must read. THE BOOK OF ROSY takes readers on a journey that generates a rollercoaster of emotions. We were appalled at the conditions in the detention centers. The women's’ resilience was amazing and the suffering described by Rosy was finally offset by the remarkable work of Julie Schwietert Collazo and Immigrant Families Together who helped migrant families separated at the border, raising funds and creating a volunteer network nationwide to post bond and reunite families.
Our members realized that the immigration problem is complex. Topics discussed: Is it possible to reverse the crime, poverty, and living conditions of the people of Guatemala? Is our government supplying money that is falling into the hands of corrupt leaders or drug cartels? How do we track the funds going to detention centers when it does not seem to be promoting acceptable living conditions? How does our country absorb the immigrants that are granted asylum? How do we support groups like Immigrant Families Together? The problem seems overwhelming, but the work being done by Julie and volunteers gives hope.
At the end of the book, Julie offers ways to ‘get involved’. Rosy’s question: ‘how do you choose one danger over another?’ echoed in our minds. Perhaps the best answer is as Julie quoted ‘both little and big things’ being addressed by many of us.
Several members who have traveled to Guatemala enriched our discussion with accounts of building housing and working with impoverished communities. They identified ways to help the people of Guatemala: they felt education was key contributing to an educational organization that pays for a child’s schooling. Another member shared the idea of using church funds to buy land and turn it over to families, establishing ownership and pride for the poor.
Menu: "After reading of the poverty and scarcity of food in Guatemala, we found it difficult to celebrate the abundance that we take for granted. In honor of the Guatemalan culture, we had margaritas and a taco tray, homemade guacamole: one member who had traveled to Guatemala has foraged for avocados in order to make fresh guacamole."
Outside the Box Book Club on of Fairport, New York
BLACK SUNDAY by Tola Rotimi Abraham (February, 2020)
Following the fate of one family over the course of two decades in Nigeria, this debut novel tells the story of each sibling’s search for agency, love, and meaning in a society rife with hypocrisy but also endless life.
"We had a very lively discussion and were pleased to read something outside of our typical book club pick. We are a very homogeneous group of white suburban women, and reading about other cultures has been very eye opening. We discussed women's lives in Nigeria compared with the lives of women in Afghanistan portrayed in another recent read, THE BOOKSELLER OF KABUL. We noted the sisters' low self esteem — and how this abandonment of the children has repercussions throughout their lives, and that that if the mother did not lose her job the whole families lives would have been completely different.
"We reflected on whether this book touches on some of the authors own life experiences. All in all, this is a wonderful first book and we expect to hear more from her."
Book Nerd Book Club of California and Idaho
PROMISES OF THE HEART by Nan Rossiter (HarperCollins, 2/20)
The first novel in a new series tells the moving story of a couple struggling to start a family and the young foster girl with a heart condition who changes their lives forever
Blondies from Promises of the Heart
"You'll be hooked by the first chapter. We enjoyed discussing the book, making the recipe, and interacting with the author. PROMISES OF THE HEART appealed to our reading interests. It was a heartwarming and dramatic story—you couldn't help but fall in love with the main character. The story hits the ground running and you won't want to put it down until you finish the last page."
Menu: "Two members made the Chocolate Chip Blondies recipe included in the book. Really tasty!
Our Wine Club has a Book Problem of Caseyville, Illinois and North Wales Library Book Club, Ohio
LOST IN OAXACA by Jessica Winters Mireles (She Writes Press, 4/20)
When her star student leaves California to return to her village in Oaxaca, Mexico, piano teacher Camille Childs, being a search for her, navigating the unfamiliar culture to help her view the world in a different light.
Our Wine Club has a Book Problem: "We all loved the book, which is a surprise as there is always someone who doesn't care for what the selected read. Even though there were many topics explored, the author made the story flow easily. Topics included abuse, human trafficking, kidnapping, circumstances that made a person be who he/she becomes, forgiveness, a love story. It reminded us a little bit of Romancing the Stone'."
Menu: "Margaritas, taco ring, chips, guacamole, salsa. Lime chicken, Southeast roasted potatoes, Mexican Street Corn.Dessert: Sopapilla and Vanilla Bean Pot Cake —If you haven't read the book, you won't understand the significance of the bean pot cake. All of the bookies loved this extra addition to our party."
North Wales Library: "We found the book an interesting, suspenseful, and an easy-to-read selection. The Oaxaca culture (especially food descriptions) and the music were highlights. The characters were well developed and the use of the Spanish language that explained the phrases used was appreciated. One member drew a map and all the group felt this would be a good addition to the book. The book was well rated and made a great escape."
Menu:" Fresh salsa and homemade chips!"
Pennsylvania's Chester County/ Chester Springs Library and Durham, North Carolina's Testers & Tasters Cookbook
FRESH FLAVORS FROM THE SLOW COOKER: Reinvent the Slow-Cooked Meal; 77 Mouthwatering Recipes by Nicki Sizemore (Storey, 2019)
Filled with recipes for slow-simmered main dishes, along with sauces and sides thatreplace canned ingredients with fresh vegetables, boost flavor with aromatic herbs and spices, and feature a tantalizing array of global tastes.
Testers & Tasters Cookbook Club:
"A thumbs-up all around! Easy prep using pantry staples make these recipes go-to choices for satisfying mealls. A big hit with members, even those who aren’t big slow cooker users. We appreciated the wide range of dishes, most using pantry staples and/or easily-available ingredients ."
Favorites:
Chicken and Black Bean Chilaquiles: "A definite make again"
Chicken Tikka Masala: "savory deliciousness"
Pear Butter: "Smooth delight"
Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Shakshuka "Fresh herbs brighten flavorful sauce. Perfect for brunch."
Sweet Potage with Spicy Maple Pecans and Toasted Cheese Baguettes: "Elegant enough for a dinner party. Easy enough for every day"
Vegetable and Quinoa Chili "Satisfying bowl of yummy."
Chester County/ Chester Springs: "We liked variety of recipes and the simplicity in creating them. The step by step breakdown for what gets done was well laid out."
Group favorite: Chicken and Black Bean Chilaquiles. Also: Best Beef Chili, Garden Ratatouille, Bolognese, Chicken Tikka Masala, Spicy Maple Pecans, Jalapeno Corn Muffins, Asian Pot Roast, Spinach, Prosciutto and Gruyere Strata, Thai Vegetable and Peanut Curry, and Greens, Cheese Lasagna.
Sunday Night Book Club of Otsego, Minnesota
IN THE FLO: Unlock Your Hormonal Advantage and Revolutionize Your Life by Alissa Vitti (HarperOne, 1/20)
The author of WomanCode presents a biohacking program for women, teaching them how to use their natural 28-day cycle to optimize their time, diet, fitness, work, and relationships.
"We all wondered where was this book when we were younger!" Some of us are past the stage of having cycles but there was so much good information in the book that it was a worthwhile read. Our favorite section of the book was definitely 'Making Motherhood Easier.' We talked a lot about this topic because we could all relate so well and the part about 'Syncing Your Parenting with Each Phase' was spot on. It was 'Aha, Yes. I know these phases.' As mothers it makes so much sense , as we reflect on whether we are more adventurous taking our kids new places, more sociable, and on 'the let's get things done' band wagon, or needing extra alone time. This book also prompted a discussion of how food affects our bodies, and also just listening to what your body is telling you."
Girls’ Clubhouse Book Club, of Auburn, California
THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL by Stacey Lee (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 8/19)
From the critically-acclaimed author of Under a Painted Sky and Outrun the Moon and founding member of We Need Diverse Books comes a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family.
"We enjoyed delicious Southern soul food while discussing this bittersweet young adult novel, and visited Curtis Park's The Dragon House to end our day with Chinese culture. All members liked THE DOWNSTAIRS 
GIRL and some called it a phenomenal, five-star book. Georgia in the 1800s with a Chinese-American character was a unique perspective. We discussed how Jo Kaun didn’t fit with any group and led a hard life, yet she made her own way. Her 'Dear Miss Sweetie' column was refreshing and humorous— Tt was the one place where she could be herself. Stacey Lee illustrated many aspects of the South that gave a historical outlook in quilting, horse racing, and hat making. We wondered what it was like to be Jo in each of these situations."
Menu: "We met at Fixins Soul Kitchen in Sacramento for a taste of the South: catfish, collard greens, sweet tea, peach cobbler."
Cork & Olive Book Club of Valrico, Florida
THE QUEENS OF ANIMATION: The Untold Story of the Women Who Transformed the World of Disney and Made Cinematic History by Nathalia Holt (Little, Brown and Company, 10/22/19)
The untold, "richly detailed" story of the women of Walt Disney Studios, who shaped the iconic films that have enthralled generations.
"Everyone enjoyed the book, both for its historical value as well as educating us about women who worked at Disney and how they were treated. The contributions the female artists made throughout Disney's history were amazing! From the inventor of the grease pencil to the inventor of the multi-plane, the recognition of these women for their innovations was unfortunately missing. We also enjoyed the history behind each of the animations--how stories started and evolved to become the final product we see today. We have a few 'meh--Disneyers' among us, but even they agreed the book revealed many interesting facts and characters - men and women, included."
Menu: "Our theme was, of course, Disney! Remy's Ratatouille, Pocahontas' Cornbread, Gophers Succotash 
from The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Glass Slipper Cocktail, Magical Stuffed Mushrooms from Alice in Wonderland, Spaghetti and Meatballs from The Lady and the Tramp, Wild Acre Wood Salad Gray Stuff from Beauty and the Beast, Snow White's Potato and Sausage Soup, Frozen Jello Shots. We had several children's books from the movies and themed our food around those stories. We also had large coloring book sheets on the table so we could do a bit of 'inking' ourselves."
Neighbors of Cranberry Book Club of Plain City, Ohio
LOVE LETTERING by Kate Clayborn (Kensington, 12/19)
New York City's finest hand-letterer hides messages in her work that always go unnoticed--until a finance worker wants to know why she included the word "Mistake" in his wedding invitation, and, more importantly, how she knew his wedding was doomed to fail.
"Many of us wanted to go on the tour of Brooklyn with Meg and Reid to find the signs with them: instead we were able to curl up with this book and and enjoy it! Its amazing how a book can bring friends and neighbors together— and the laughter. We love that Meg is a funny and strong female character, successful with her own business. She isn’t a push-over, and we enjoyed seeing her looking for love. Meg is an artist and we appreciated her perspective of noticing and looking for signs! The unique fonts and the author's knowledge of the different fonts was a fun addition to the book and added to the romantic feel. We had a hysterical discussion on steaminess in literature. Thank you for helping us have another enjoyable book club over a great book! We want to see this as a movie! A great read for our bookclub and it is highly recommended to others!"
Friday Lunch and Dessert Club of Escondido, California and Jane Austen Book Club of Lexington, Kentucky
THE HENNA ARTIST by Alka Joshi (MIRA, March 2020)
Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.
Friday Lunch and Dessert Club: "Each of us enjoyed looking at our lovely hands and seeing ourselves through the eyes of The Henna Artist's patrons.Having a henna artist at our book club meeting brought the book to life. Our artist, Vaishali, brought hand-mixed henna and applied it free-hand, using her years of experience applying intricate designs to women's hands and bodies. The henna experience was new for most members. and they appreciated having all of the elements in the book in play at our meeting. It helped us connect with the book." 
"The story was very engaging and we had a great discussion, including the caste system and difficulties women face in Indian culture. That a woman could be completely ostracized from her culture if she gave birth out of wedlock was disturbing - especially since this book took place not that long ago. We highly recommend THE HENNA ARTIST to others."
Menu: Chicken Tikka Masala; Paneer Tikka Masala; Palek Paneer; Basmati Rice; Samosas; Garlic Naan; Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette; Rooh Afza Lemon Sharbat (Indian Lemonade with Rose Syrup); Kulfi Ice Cream (Pistachios/Cardamom/Saffron/Cream.)
Jane Austen Book Club: "We could not stop raving about this book! There is something in here for everyone: historical fiction, strong women, gossip eaters, inner struggles between what is right vs. wrong, all within the backdrop of 1950’s India. We have the story of Lakshmi, a woman who has established herself as a successful henna artist and dispenser of herbal medicine for women, who is moments away from having her dream of home of her own that she has designed and is waiting for the day when her parents will join her, when the past she has tried to keep hidden for so long suddenly knocks on her door.
"Members showed up with their books filled with highlighted and marked sections. One member typed up her favorite quotes (this time Indian proverbs), and another member read aloud a passage involving the Brontës! Topics ranged from what this book made us feel to the expectations that are still placed on women today.Our conversations about the story and characters lead to discussions about India’s caste system, arranged marriages, how women were treated in the 1950’s, and how those feminine role expectations are still placed on girls and women in the 21st-century We cannot recommend this book enough! Put it on your lists and read it when it comes out this coming March!"
Menu: Our bartender in the Brontë Bistro in Lexington prepared a book-inspired cocktail,
Lakshmi’s Frangipani Water, a gin and tonic with cucumber-mint water and a splash of lavender water, garnished with cucumber. A character in the book, when she has a gin and tonic, waters her plants with it because she was told they keep you healthy."
Adrienne Book Club of Flagstaff, Arizona
THREE FLAMES by Alan Lightman Counterpoint Press, 9/19)
The stories of one Cambodian family are intricately braided together in this novel, set between 1973, just before the Cambodian Genocide by the Khmer Rouge―to 2015.
"We talked more about this book than any other in recent history."—None of us had been to Cambodia, and enjoyed learned about this culture. The subject matched our interest in women's issues around the world, and we were introduced to the plight of women in Cambodia. We discussed their struggle against a backlog of male dominance, the realistic depictions of the women— we were given enough background to understand how their experiences shaped their futures. The first and last chapters provided great, hopeful bookends: forgiveness in the first chapter and hope for the youngest daughter in the last. We really enjoyed the writing — spare, but setting the scene and fleshing out the characters."
Menu: Food was very present in the book, making it easy to incorporate a Cambodian menu into the gathering. Cambodian chicken amok, green mango salad and Cambodian coffee.
#209 Book Club of Merced, California
JULIET TAKES A BREATH by Gabby Rivera (Penguin Teen, 9/17/19)
A gutsy, queer coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Nina LaCour, Rainbow Rowell, and Elizabeth Acevedo.
"Our Latina girls love exploring diverse books, and appreciated the random Spanish words throughout the book, the Latin culture, and seeing latinos represented in young adult books.We are an all-female book club so the feminist, girl power was great! I translated phrases for those who don't speak Spanish, and we explored the different cultures within the Latin community—Juliet is from Puerto Rican roots, and two members have Mexican roots and it great to share our culture, and explain the differences between Latinos. We are all huge supporters of the LGBT community, and when we can read books with that representation we discuss how different the times are.
"Women, Latinos, LGBT people have always been made to believe that they are less than and not represented as much, and we really appreciated the fact that this book combines it all. We discussed how instead of standing back and being quiet, all these diverse groups are fighting for power and equality, which is exactly what Juliet is fighting for in this book."
It’s Lit!(erature) Book Club of Gilbert Arizona and Girls’ Clubhouse Book Club, of Auburn, California
WILD GAME: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me ( Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1019)
A daughter’s tale of living in the thrall of her magnetic, complicated mother, and the chilling consequences of her complicity.
It’s Lit!(erature):”A page turner, emotional, draws you in and keeps you hooked. We all enjoyed the book and had great discussion! Topics included mother-daughter relationships, theme of forgiveness, and the burden of secrets. The group had a particularly interesting conversation when discussing the author’s voice throughout the story and what she chose to disclose and focus on at different points. Some members were initially unsure how this memoir would read like a thriller, however they were proven wrong.“
Menu: “Sliced, roasted sausage with mustard and cornichon pickles, roasted Cornish game hens with baby potatoes and carrots, Caesar salad, and Hot Buttered Rum. Peaches with vanilla ice cream from the mother’s(Malabar Hornblower) cookbook, DO AHEAD DINING, and served Malabar’s Power Pack cocktail (and mocktails).”
Girls’ Clubhouse: “The author asks to readers to imagine if the memoir began with a tragic story instead of an affair, if we would have been more sympathetic to Malabar’s decisions, a question that sparked good discussion. We felt that the mother’s motives still would have been revealed and that her choices had a lasting affect on her daughter. We discussed the impact of our mothers, and how as mothers we impact our children. For the women with more selfish moms, this book hit home and was a harder read. Others were stunned by Malabar’s antics.”
Menu: "A variety of drinks and food were fitting for discussing this memoir, as the mother used food as a ruse to stay close and interact with her lover."
Sisterhood Book Club of Macon, Georgia
CILKA'S JOURNEY by Heather Morris (St. Martins, 10/19))
From the author of the THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ, a new novel based on an incredible true story of love and resilience.
"We had read THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ and were interested in Cilka's story— and loved the book. We discussed the unfairness of the sentence put upon Cilka, her amazing strength to endure, the conditions at the gulag— and what surprised us. Morris’s superb writing made us feel the suffering, anger, and fear of the prisoners. We were totally enthralled and found it extremely difficult to put the book down. This is a story we will not forget."
Boston Bookies of Greater Boston, Massachusetts
NO SURRENDER: A Father, A Son, And an Extraordinary Act of Heroism That Continues to Live On Today by Christopher Edmonds and Douglas Century (HarperOne, 10/19))
Part contemporary detective story, part World War II historical narrative, the inspiring true story of Roddie Edmonds, a Knoxville-born enlistee who risked his life during the treacherous final days of World War II to save others from murderous Nazis, and the lasting effects his actions had on thousands of lives—then and now."
"Many of us had fathers who fought in the war and we could relate to the story. We discussed how the men’s faith in each other and God and Roddie’s leadership and courage, played a role in keeping the POWs hope and strength during such a devastating experience. We discussed the psychological impact of the war and the brutality of the senseless killings at Malmedy. Although the war was coming to a close, the Nazis couldn’t relinquish control. Charismatic personalities, such as Hitler, had such a hold over their men - right to the very end. We found it interesting to learn about the recruiting of college students, the training process, and the delegation of power."
Menu “Soup and bread in honor of the POWs who were fed thin soup and brown bread in the Stalag camps.”
Chana's Cookbook Club of Houston, Texas
BIGGER BOLDER BAKING by Gemma Stafford (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 9/19)
More than 100 accessible, flavor-packed recipes, using only common ingredients and everyday household kitchen tools.
"We love baking, and follow the author, and as a longtime fan, I was thrilled to review this through GalleyMatch. The recipes are arranged according to the baking tools you have on hand. Only want to dirty a spoon and bowl? There’s a chapter for you! Don’t want to turn on your oven in this heat? Gemma Stafford has you covered! Everything we’ve made from this cookbook over the past few weeks has been simple, straightforward, and delicious. The recipes stood up to adaptations and we loved that they were given with metric measurements as well, as so many cookbooks don’t include these. The attention to detail in these recipes is much appreciated. There’s even a recipe for almond extract in this book, which massively appeals to my inner #diydiva.”
Take Two Book Club of Wichita Falls, Texas
SPEAKING OF SUMMER by Kalisha Buckhanon (Counterpoint, 7/19)
A literary thriller about one woman's desperate search for her missing twin sister, a multi-layered mystery set against the neighborhoods of Harlem.
"We admired the author’s character development. We felt strong connections to even minor characters.
“This book stretched us a little bit: reading about a neighborhood different from ours led to a better discussion, and exposed us to a voice that was different from what we hear every day. We admired the author’s skill at relating the details of sexual abuse, an aspect of the story was told so well -- the details were so real.
"Everyone answered the question: At what point in the story did you start to question the narrator's reliability? This led to a good discussion of reliable/unreliable narrators!"
K3 Skype Book Club of Paris, Boston, and Colorado
THE PARIS ORPHAN by Natasha Lester (Forever/Hachette, 9/19)
From the author of The Paris Seamstress, a World War II novel that spans continents and crosses generations as an American soldier and an enterprising Vogue photographer brave war-torn France to help a lost little girl find the one thing she never had: a family.
"Enticing and unputdownable, and we need to read this author’s backlist now! We live in Paris, France; Boston, Massachusetts; and Centennial Colorado, so book club is a way to stay connected. This was an absolutely perfect match. We gave it a 5 star review on Goodreads. Read in two days and could not put it down! The book was moving, sweet, heartbreaking, romantic, frustrating, and fascinating all at the same time.
"Discussion centered on the story’s timelines, and we were fascinated about the inspiration for Jess’s character. We found the inherent sexism of the time absolutely heartbreaking as it pertains to women war correspondents. This is a book we will discuss for a long time.
NGE Book Club of Hudson, Ohio
THE WINEMAKER'S WIFE by Kristin Harmel (Gallery Books, 8/19)
The author of The Room on Rue Amélie returns with a moving story set amid the champagne vineyards of northern France during the darkest days of World War II, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale.
“Many weren't aware of the issues faced by the winemakers in France during World War II; several are now interested in visiting that area of France and seeing some of those underground areas. Interesting discussion point: the women being fully mobile without assistance, and with minds so intact, compared to those we know in that age range. We decided we needed to start drinking gin as this must have been her secret!”
Menu: A bottle of the Champagne from the region referenced in the book would be ideal!
Happy Bookers Book Club of Linn, Missouri
TONY'S WIFE by Adriana Trigiani (Harper Paperbacks, 7/19)
Set in the lush Big Band era of the 1940s and World War II, TONY'S WIFE is the story of two talented working class kids who marry and become a successful singing act, until time, temptation, and the responsibilities of home and family derail their dreams.
"We love Adriana Trigiani's themes of family and history, learning much about the time period with the music and fashion of the era, as you can see by our group picture!
“We have read a number of Adriana Trigiani’s books over our 26 years of reading together. We were engrossed with Chi Chi and Tony’s lives and emotional journeys. Women’s issues came into our discussion-individual career paths, marriage, dreams, raising children. How the influence of your background and your family shape you. We also discussed the immigrant experience and the hard work they and their ancestors put forth to give their children a better life. How much we have enjoyed and learned while reading a great story!"
Menu: "Saverio's favorite dessert, ciambella, a cake with cherries, handpicked from member JoAnne's cherry tree, along with Prosecco. Authors are our rock stars, and we love celebrating them and their books with food and fun! "
Asheville's (NC) Fantasy/SciFi Books & Beer Club
HOLLOW KINGDOM by Kira Jane Buxton (Grand Central, 8/19)
One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.
“What a smart, thoughtful, funny, and true book! We discussed our relationship with nature.” Comments: “It was genius of Shannon to use the Cheeto as a symbol of how far away from real nature we (and our food) have come. Professors could assign students to write papers on the symbolism of the Cheeto in this book!" “Should listen to ‘Invisible Things’ by Handmade Moments when taking a break from reading HOLLOW KINGDOM.“
Menu: Cous Cous salad with Farmers’ Market veggies, a refute to the very essence of the Cheeto
Mountain Meadows Book Club of Renton, Washington
BODY LEAPING BACKWARD: Memoir of a Delinquent Girlhood by Maureen Stanton (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 7/19)
The “mesmerizing . . . daring and important”* story of a risk-taking girlhood spent in a working-class prison town
*Andre Dubus III
“We enjoyed reading the book, and had a three hour conversation. We were girls during the time of Maureen Stanton's girlhood, so were interested in her point of view. Our discussion started with the idea that the memoir was a description of a culture, very specific to the area as well as the era .We shared favorite passages: ‘Destructive urges in little kids are tests of power...pent-up energy, the need to release that energy, to smash and burn’. One member just loved the descriptive passages, such as the screen door looking like a sieve. Another member could relate to Maureen's mom using Walpole Prison as a cautionary tale as that is how her own mother tried to motivate good behavior. We discussed our negativity toward the author and her parents with regard to the drug use and lack of parental control. As the book progressed we realized Maureen had feelings of regret and disbelief at her own behavior, emotions we readers had felt from beginning of her story."
Get Woke Book Club of New Prague, Minnesota
SHOUT by Laurie Halse Anderson (Viking/ Penguin Teen, 3/19)
A poetic memoir and call to action from the award-winning author of SPEAK.
“Our group was in awe of the beauty of the writing and the power of the topics. Several members mentioned that they were reluctant to read a book that was a 'poem,' but after reading the first page, they couldn’t put it down. The book was so powerful that it’s hard to articulate responses, but our discussion was one of the best we’ve had. The issues and themes related to women's struggles, poverty concerns, and dysfunctional families, of which our group is very aware.
“To start the discussion, members posted quotes that made impressions on them on a chalkboard poster to get us to get us into the language of the poetry. It became a nice collage of the many of the key ideas presented in the various poems. We read many of the poems out loud before we discussed them."
Excerpt from poem written by Get Woke Book Club
"POSTLUDE
Laurie Halse Anderson
you have activated, motivated
celebrated, cerebrated
snared our fates
and given hope
thanks for writing”
Sactown Book Club of Sacramento, California
YALE NEEDS WOMEN: The First Ivy League Girls and Their Fight for a Seat at the Head of the Class by Anne Gardiner Perkins (Sourcebooks, 9/19)
The story of the first class of women admitted to an Ivy League university in 1969.
“We enjoyed the format, focusing on a few women and related anecdotes. Most of us went to college during the same time period and we could compare our experiences. Discussion topics included contributing factors in Kingman Brewster's decisions about admitting more women at Yale, the events that fueled changes in the admissions policy, how the experience of black women on campus differed from other women, and comparing the dynamics of meetings held by male students with meetings held by women."
Cathy's Book Club of Brentwood, California
ONCE UPON A RIVER by Diane Setterfield (Atria, pb, 7/19)
From the author of the “eerie and fascinating” (USA TODAY) THE THIRTEENTH TALE, a richly imagined, powerful new novel about the wrenching disappearance of three little girls and the wide-reaching effect it has on their small town.
“This book was a gem—subtle, magical, and should not be missed.We discussed the theme of the river — the river gave, but also took away from the people living along its shore. We also loved the mystery of the found child. Through learning the background of the families, we learned how everyone was connected by a thread, although they may not have known each other.
"We also loved the subtle humor. Those who heard the audio version thought the reader was exceptional and conveyed the humor just as the author might have intended it."
Red Read Book Club of Frisco, Texas
CITY OF FLICKERING LIGHT by Juliette Fay (Gallery Books, 4/19)
Set in the Golden Age of Hollywood and the raucous Roaring Twenties, three friends struggle to earn their places among the stars of the silent screen—perfect for fans of "La La Land" and Rules of Civility.
“We loved the book. We enjoyed the play on the word ‘Flickers’ and the movies and Hollywood as a flickering light, how actors may came and go, like flickering lights. Topics included religion, racism, homosexuality, drugs, sex, and more.”
Readalicious of Duvall, Washington, CLAMS (Corte Madera Literary and Munching Society) of Corte Madera, California, and Hot Flashers of Antioch, Calforinia
THE FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE by Ruta Sepetys (Penguin Teen, 10/19)
A gripping, extraordinary portrait of love, silence, and secrets under a Spanish dictatorship.
Readalicious: “Many members like historical fiction and although this was a young adult book, we enjoyed it. Our sixteen members are from ten different countries, in Europe, North America and South America, and too young to have experienced this period of history [the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco]. We liked learning about the history of Spain during this time, and talked about the post-war period in Spain, and also similar post-war environments in some of the members' home countries — a very interesting discussion. Also, many of us have teenagers who also love to read and like pre-release books, so we were pleased we could share the novel with them."
CLAMS: "Several members had no knowledge of the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s dictatorship, so this was an eye-opening, educational read. The book was so intriguing - we didn’t need discussion questions. We discussed character motivations, characters we wanted to follow longer, the symbolism of the title, the believability of the love story. We are looking forward to reading other books by this author! We agreed with one member’s comment that although this is a young adult book, it’s appropriate for readers of any age. “The host shared a book featuring clothing designer Oscar de la Renta, with a photo of Penelope Cruz flanked by matadors wearing suits of lights. The novel has a character who sews these suits—by hand— and another character who dreams of becoming a bullfighter.”
Menu: sangria with Spanish wine, fresh fruit, marinated olives, Spanish omelet with onion and potatoes, Spanish Lemon cupcakes, Manchego cheese with bread, jerky, and sugar-coated flower petals – all foods mentioned or Spanish foods.
Hot Flashers: “We read historical fiction, but this subject was something we all knew NOTHING about. Our group LOVED!!!! this book. The theme of silence and oppression was a big topic of discussion.The control that the Spanish government had over its people during the reign of Franco saddened us. We were horrified that the government stole so many babies and sold them.”
Jane Austen Book Club of Lexington, Kentucky
ORPHAN MONSTER SPY by Matt Killeen (Penguin Teen, 2/19)
“Like Inglourious Basterds for tweens, this clever YA title features Sarah, a blond, blue-eyed Jewish girl in 1939 Germany.”–New York Post
“Our group reads classics as well as contemporary novels by women, but rarely YA. Orphan Monster Spy gets our seal of approval! Most members declared they had the book read in days, and could NOT put it down!
It’s got everything you could want: Nail-biting action, thrills, chills, a kick-a** heroine taking down Nazis! Everyone commented on how great it was to have such a strong female main character driving the story. There were some violent moments in the book, which led to a discussion of moments that were triggers for us. We also appreciated the sections where the author wrote of kids who made an impact in the fight against the Nazis. Many members enjoy historical fiction, especially set during World WarII, and we started a list of movies and historical fiction on the topic for those wanting to to delve deeper. It lives up to the description of Mean Girls meets Inglourious Basterds. And the best part is there’s a sequel!"
Menu: Jane Austen Book Club bartender, Michael, created a delightful cocktail: Another Beach in Normandy with peach schnapps, vodka and orange juice, poured over creme de cassis.
Book Bags of New Prague, Minnesota, Morsels for the Mind of Belmont, Michigan and Reading Between the Wines of Franklin, Indiana
THE LOST FAMILY by Jenna Blum (HarperPerennial, 2018, pb, 6/19)
A vivid portrait of marriage, family, and the haunting grief of World War II in this emotionally charged, beautifully rendered story that spans a generation, from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Book Bags: “For our book club, the meaning of 'lost family' took another turn. We’ve been extended family for 20 years and 6 months ago we lost our member ‘Little Marilyn’. We invited her daughters, both avid readers, to join us for The Lost Family dinner and discussion. What a joy to discuss the book and their mother with them. A wonderful afternoon with our ’family’ sharing stories and doing what we like best: discussing books while dining on good food.
"A few topics dominated our great discussion: we were split on sympathy for Peter and his inability to create a family with June and Elsbeth: some felt that he lost his second family.
"None of the characters really had a healthy connection to food and Peter found escape in preparing food – a way of holding on to his past, but it kept him from moving forward.
"Several of us identified with June’s actions and emotions. Like many women of her era (and even today), she gave up a career when she married, experienced dissatisfaction at the her mundane life. Peter would not let her open a decorating business, so she had no outlet for her creative talents. That was compounded with Peter’s absence and preoccupation with the restaurant. We did not condone her infidelities but understood the frustrations behind them."
Menu: "Host Ann’s setting and meal did justice to the opulence of the meals and restaurants in the novel. Her menu—Waldorf Salad, Chicken Kiev, Green Beans Amandine, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Masha Torte, Cream Puffs, Rusty Nail and Tab— was strongly influenced by the food mentioned in the novel, and she also created a Minnesota connection with some of the items. When June went back to Minnesota, her mother offered to make her a sandwich with olive loaf. As a child we would often have bologna sandwiches and sometimes olive loaf. Annie decided to make something that brought back our childhood memory of olive loaf. Ann combined olives with cheese, mayonnaise, and green onion and a baguette to make an appetizer. We enjoyed reading about the Walter Cronkite—a newscaster we watched as kids — hamburger, and had a similar version, with meatballs and flamed the brandy. This was quite the conversation piece as we sipped our wine. The flames lingered for quite a while."
Morsels for the Mind:"We had interesting discussions about Auschwitz survivors, PTSD, anorexia and more. There was compassion for the lives of Peter, June and Elsbeth due to their internal struggles and circumstances.”
Menu: Masha's Menu, including Waldorf Salad, Potato Latkes, Kosher garlic pickles, brie en croute, grapes and Mint Milano cookies, Inside-Out German Chocolate Cake with Cherries Flambe and a side of whipped
cream for dessert
Reading Between the Wines: "We loved chatting with the author via FaceTime. We had many questions about how she developed the characters and their flaws. The responses made us even more sympathetic to some of the characters that we had previously been ‘meh’ about. Her description of her writing process and research also helped us appreciate the book even more. She gave us a tour of her library and writing place!
“We discussed the effects of war, the food themes, and had more to talk about after chatting with Jenna. We all agreed to read more books by the author. The best discussion topic was the concept of love. All of the characters seemed to be looking for love in all the wrong places to make up for what made them unhappy. We enjoyed reading three distinct perspectives in this broken family and that if we didn't love the characters, we sympathized with their plight and wanted to see them find REAL love.“
Menu: Pea soup, and German chocolate cake, similar to the dishes mentioned in the book, along with sundried tomato and feta pastry, and pumpkin bread.
Turn the Page Book Club of Thorofare, New Jersey
THE UNBREAKABLES by Lisa Barr (HarperPerennial, 6/19)
A delicious, sharp novel about a woman who jets off to France after her perfect marriage collapses, putting the broken pieces of herself back together while rediscovering her own joie de vivre—a lust for life, art, and steamy sex.
“Our book club loved THE UNBREAKABLES! An intriguing read, just the right drama, steam, and girl power! Sophia's life being destroyed by her friends and the man who was supposed to love her most is heart wrenching. We talked about forgiveness in our lives — and how we may have handled things a bit differently. We give it 5 stars and recommend it highly. Nicely done, Lisa Barr! We look forward to your next book."
Lakeside Lady Readers of Lake Frederick, Virginia
THE PEACOCK SUMMER by Hannah Richell (HarperPerennial, 7/19)
A story of secrets, forbidden love, and a mysterious old country estate.
“This was a great match! We enjoyed the way the book segued from past to present, appreciating that regardless of period in time, some things never change. Comments from the group: well written; couldn't put it down; liked the aspect of mystery and not knowing the how, when, or why until the end; liked that one of the main characters was an artist, and her part of story told from artist's point of view. We always rate our book reads from 1-5 stars, and gave this one a 5!”
Sip and Read of Baltimore, Maryland
MOTHERHOOD SO WHITE: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America by Nefertiti Austin (Sourcebooks, 9/19)
An unflinching examination of one African-American mother’s experience adopting and raising her two children in our racially-charged society that confronts the intersection of race, gender, and parenthood so that others--be they African-American, Latinx, Asian, biracial, or white--can find solidarity and empathy on their path to and through parenthood.
“Generally we do not read non fiction, but we found the title intriguing. Because of our varied ages and stages in life the discussion got quite lively. Those of us who were older and mothers couldn’t understand the need for such a book as we had our elders and peers to turn to. The younger newer mothers understood the reasoning of the book and how others would see it as helpful. This wasn’t like our usual choices, but we enjoyed the conversation it sparked.”
Wayne County Public Library Discussion Group of Monticello, Kentucky
THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK by Kim Michele Richardson (Sourcebooks, 5/19)
Inspired by the true and historical blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek showcases a bold and unique tale of Pack horse Librarians in literary novels — a tale of fierce strength and one woman's belief that books can carry us anywhere — even back home.
"We so enjoyed it! It was our favorite book of the year.A well written depiction of how the Kentucky 'Hill' people lived, the story of Cussy, a pack horse librarian who was a life line to her patrons. These librarians were so much more than someone who brought books to your home, they were friends — almost family. The provided an outlet for the people who otherwise would never have seen past the hills they lived in. The book mobile is just a modern day packhorse!”
Bibliobibuli Book Club of San Diego California and Book Club of Frankfort, Illinois
MIRACLE CREEK by Angie Kim (Farrar, Strauss, Giroux, 4/19)
A literary courtroom drama about a Korean immigrant family and a young, single mother on trial for murdering her 8-year-old autistic son.
Bibliobibuli Book Club of San Diego California
"We unanimously enjoyed MIRACLE CREEK! This book sparked discussion of so many topics, including Kim's use of multiple viewpoints, the novel's theme of deceit, the plight of immigrants, our own experiences with developmentally disabled siblings, individual experiences as professional care providers to children on the autism spectrum, and writing an accurate depiction of courtroom trials.
We enjoyed meeting with author Angie Kim through Zoom. It was invigorating to hear of her journey from Korea to the United States, see her writing space, and learn that MIRACLE CREEK has been picked up by a movie studio."
Thanks for sending Bibliobubli, MIRACLE CREEK!"
Book Club of Frankfort, Illinois
“It was a perfect match in terms of topics, themes and writing style, and so interesting to be able to talk to the author, Angie Kim, and hear more about her back story and writing process. We had many questions about how she connected to the plot lines, her process, and how she made decisions about characters. We couldn't get over how she would talk about the characters and their development and wanting the same things we wanted for them, but at the same time feeling the need to keep it realistic. We didn't think we would have that same restraint. We all loved the book."
Menu: “In the book, there is a discussion about timing and doing what you feel you have to do versus what you want to do. A lot of that centered around food. So this meal did not appear in the book, but in keeping with the idea of not depriving ourselves or forcing ourselves to do what we should do instead of what we really wanted to do, we had the indulgent meal we wanted with multiple courses, desserts, and beverages."
Cork & Olive Book Club of Valrico, Florida:
ME FOR YOU by Lolly Winston (Gallery, 2019)
A richly poignant and stirring story that asks: How soon is too soon to fall in love again?
“We discussed the difference in how mental health was perceived in this book versus how it was thought of in another recent read (The Key by Kathryn Hughes). We also enjoyed discussing Rudy and how he handled his first online date (companionship vs. relationship). The description of what Rudy went through while grieving was very much true-- the humor and the sadness and the anger.”
Literary Gourmets of San Diego, California:
MOTHERLAND: A Memoir of Love, Loathing, and Longing by Elissa Altman
(Ballantine, 8/19)
A multilayered story about mothers and daughters, aging and time, loathing and love from the James Beard Award-winning author of the critically acclaimed memoir Poor Man's Feast, the blog of the same name, and the Washington Post column Feeding My Mother.
“We read MOTHERLAND along with Tara Westover’s EDUCATED — we felt the books went together quite well as both involved the life long effects of parental values and mindsets on children. We had a lengthy discussion about the choices you make as an adult versus as a child, the lasting impact of mental illness on children—several of our members are healthcare providers—and the way in which the physical surroundings of your childhood draw you back, even though the emotional landscape is painful. Thank you for sharing this book with us. We recommend it to other book clubs, and would like to read other books by this author.”
Best discussion question: The daughter(author)returning to the same, apparently toxic, relationship, even after finding her own partner, led to a discussion of the strength of the maternal bond.
Menu: Our connection: in recognizing the differences between you and someone you care for, you try to make them happy, or at least well fed! We served: French Garden Salad with roasted beets, roasted asparagus, goat cheese and spiced pecans and mixed greens, roasted eggplant layered with pesto, marinara, roasted pineapple with pistachios, raspberries and crème fraiche.
Get Woke Book Club of New Prague, Minnesota:
FIGHT LIKE A MOTHER: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World by Shannon Watts (Harperonebooks, 5/19)
An inspiring account of how one mother's cry for change became the driving force behind gun safety progress from the founder of Mom's Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
“There is no book more appropriate or meaningful for a book group of women activists. Our highlighters ran dry as we reacted to the author’s comments. Her book is an affirmation of our beliefs, a Balm of Gilead to the struggles and emotions that we experience daily, and a battle plan that speaks to our mission. Shannon wanted to ‘bring together a badass group of women . . . .and raise an army of tough mothers.’ Her goals have been exceeded.
"The Get Woke girls met for 4 1/2 hours and didn’t come close to discussing all of Shannon’s stories, affirmations, and suggestions for action. The most exciting part of the night was our opportunity to Skype with the author. Shannon addressed ways of handling burn out and stress, reminding us to take care of ourselves, manage stress, exercise, meditate, and do whatever is needed to restore your energy. It was a delightful conversation that set the mood for the rest of the evening.
"As a community group we find ourselves stretched in many directions. Shannon’s idea of finding a central focus was discussed. The importance of the red shirt was also discussed as a label. We were interested in the idea of ‘losing forward’. We have had many losses in our efforts, but each one has helped us gain more knowledge and change some perceptions in our community. FIGHT LIKE A MOTHER made us realize that winning comes in many forms.
"The book affirmed so many things that we know about ourselves as mothers and women: we are more effective lawmakers; we can’t be intimidated; we have tremendous skill sets from all of the jobs we perform daily; and we comprise the majority of the voting population. Shannon summarizes our calling perfectly, ‘If we don’t claim our motherhood as a tool, it will be used against us as a weapon.’
"This book is a road map for advocates with suggestions for organizing and advocating.
It eloquently and effectively describes the gun safety movement, but is also a universal bible for activists, especially women’s organizations. It generates hope and enthusiasm; it describes attainable goals; and it envisions a future molded by the efforts and talents of women."
ABC: A Book Club of NorthEast, Pennsylvania:
THE AGE OF LIGHT by Whitney Scharer (Little Brown, 2019)
The story of Vogue model turned renowned photographer Lee Miller.
"We enjoy historical fiction and THE AGE OF LIGHT was a perfect title in so many ways: Lee's enlightenment in her art, the way she enlightened Man Ray, the art scene in Paris at the time, and how she informed us about the war with her photos. Our most interesting question: Was Lee ever really in love with Man Ray?"
Menu: Coq au Vin in Burgundy, roasted asparagus, boiled baby honey gold potatoes, green salad and baguettes, with Creme Brulee for dessert
Novel Ideas Book Club of Centennial, Colorado:
LIFE ADMIN: How I Learned to Do Less, Do Better, and Live More by Elizabeth Emens (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019)
LIFE ADMIN tackles the problem of admin in all its forms, from everyday tasks like scheduling doctors appointments and paying bills, to life-cycle events like planning a wedding, a birth, a funeral — this is the book that will teach us all how to do less of it, and to do it better.
“This topic was perfect for our workplace book club—administrative employees from several departments—and the book allowed for some very interesting discussions about our duties in the workplace, but also about how our skills are translatable to everyday life. LIFE ADMIN provided some great tips and every member took something away. The entire group was intrigued by the idea of taking one task —general admin—and breaking it down into specific types. We found it was applicable to not only our workplace but also our households. Author Elizabeth Emens provided great detail in her text that the group was most appreciative of. It helped us better categorize the areas in our professional and personal lives that we can improve."
The Sisterhood Book Club of Warner Robins, Georgia:
IN ANOTHER TIME by Jillian Cantor (Harper Perennial, 3/19)
A sweeping historical novel that spans Germany, England, and the United States and follows a young couple torn apart by circumstance leading up to World War II—and the family secret that may prove to be the means for survival.
"The title was a perfect match for us. and the author was delightful. We all enjoyed the book tremendously. It is a different take on a Holocaust story. The book had a touch of sci-fi (is that what time travel falls under?). It gave us something new to discuss. What did we think of the possibility of time travel? How might it have changed the story if the wormhole had been used?
“There will be quite a bit of discussion on that with all clubs - because it is so different. The members are already asking when they can read THE HOURS COUNT! Thank you for this exciting opportunity. The members felt special that they got to be one of the first groups to read the book."
Mish Mash Book Club of Howell, Michigan:
A WOMAN IS NO MAN by Etaf Rum (HarperBooks, 2019)
Three generations of Palestinian-American women living in Brooklyn are torn between individual desire and the strict mores of Arab culture in this powerful debut novel.
"The book sparked an interesting discussion about immigrants in America, timely given the current news context. We were challenged by the idea that immigrants do not necessarily want to embrace 'America', and in the book, feel being American is a detriment. Our book club is outside of Dearborn, Michigan, the largest Middle Eastern community outside of the Middle East, and welcomed the opportunity to read something from a Palestinian perspective, often not represented in Muslim fiction."
Lit Happens Book Club of California, Michigan & Maine
KEEP GOING: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon (Workman, 2019)
“I’m completely captured by this tiny book…It talks about ways to stay creative (in good times and bad.) Full of thoughtful quotes, art and thoughts, this book is one you will read and reread. Who wants to build a Bliss Station with me? What a darling gem of a book!" "A lovely, easy read that reminds you to be kind to yourself and to allow yourself to have fun. It encourages you to seek out your creativity for no other reason than pure enjoyment of the process, regardless of the end product. It would make a great Mother's Day gift! "
Busy Bee Book Club of Taylor, Michigan, and Stories A La Carte Book Club of Centennial, Colorado:
SEE YOU IN THE PIAZZA: New Places to Discover in Italy by Frances Mayes (Crown, March 2019)
A travel narrative that crisscrosses Italy, with inventive new recipes celebrating Italian cuisine.
“We all love Italy. Some of us have visited and some of us will be going in the future. This will be a book we can plan from and travel with! We had a great time looking at Mayes' travels and talking about making them our own and the recipes inspired our Italian themed dinner."
Menu: Lasagna, home made Italian bread, caponata (recipe from the book), wine of course and cannoli for dessert.
"Mayes's recipes and Italian inspiration were fun and delicious. From those who have been to Italy, we heard travel stories. From those who had not yet been, we heard wishes and dreams. The journal-like feel of Mayes's book and reflections on history, writers, architecture, and food made for interesting introductions to new subjects and personalities."
Menu: Vitelli Scottato con Pomodoro Verde In Olio and a chocolate hazelnut dessert inspired by the Torino chapter.
Osterhout Free Library's Franklin Street Sleuths of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania:
THE LIES WE TOLD by Camilla Way (Berkley, 2018)
A novel of dark psychological suspense that explores how those closet to us have the most to hide.
"One member commented, 'We had a lengthy discussion about this book and everyone took part. With 20 people, that's a feat!' Others said: 'I couldn't put it down until it was finished." "You could never find someone who could predict every twist in this book.''It was like a new mystery on every page.'"
Book Bags of New Prague, Minnesota:
PRAISE SONG FOR THE BUTTERFLIES by Bernice McFadden (Akashic Books, 2018)
A young woman must learn to love and trust again after experiencing the brutality of ritual servitude in West Africa.
"We loved PRAISE SONG FOR THE BUTTERFLIES! We love books that use the novel genre to explore historical, cultural, and current world issues. Many of us are former teachers, and we always comment this type of novel would fit into a social studies or current issues classroom. A fictional approach to a practice like trokosi makes the reader sympathize with the victims in a very readable format.”
Menu: "Foods recalled scenes from the book: —Jollof rice —Images of mangoes and oranges, as contrasted to the stark meals that the girls were fed, led to a mango and pineapple —goat cheese with hot pepper jam and bread. We couldn’t forget the goats that started this story! Member Sharon shared authentic African items."
The Bookies of Belmont, Michigan::
IN THE NAME OF THE CHILDREN: An FBI Agent's Relentless Pursuit of the Nation's Worst Predators by Jeffrey L. Rinek and Marilee Strong (BenBella, 2018)
An unflinching look at what it's like to fight a never-ending battle against the predators who seek to harm our children.
Our members are elementary school educators and parents and grandparents of young children. While difficult to read, this book brought up an important topic to be informed about and one that the public should be aware of. Our discussion related to children and families that we have encountered over the years in our teaching careers. The book provided excellent discussion topics: the author's interview technique and how he treated the suspects, PTSD -- a topic we are hearing more about, and bullying. We came away with deeper appreciation for law enforcement agents who work cases of victimized children as well as the victims and their families."
Menu: "One member of our group got creative and made a delicious Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Navy Bean Salad from her FBI (Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn) cookbook. Since a good portion of the book took place in California, other members brought a California Cobb Salad, Million Dollar Tortilla Roll Ups, Burrito Casserole, and Strawberry Shortcake (with California strawberries). We served two wines: 19 Crimes and Predator. We also said a special prayer to honor the children in the book and others that are still being victimized."
TwentySomething Wine & Book Club of Naperville, Illinois:
TEXT ME WHEN YOU GET HOME by Kayleen Schaefer (Dutton, 2019)
A personal and sociological examination -- and ultimately a celebration -- of the evolution of female friendship in pop culture and modern society.
"We discussed female friendship and how it fit perfectly with our group -- young twenty-somethings who are starting careers and trying to find those good female adult friendships in our lives. Also, modern relationships, how we could feel safe, and how modern times were simultaneously helping us feel stronger and more powerful while also making us feel that men like Brett Kavanaugh and others, are taking power away, power that we felt ensured our safely."
